Identification through Dental Records

Abstract

Victims of civil catastrophes, of crimes, and of accidental death are frequently identified by their teeth. More victims might be identified by their teeth if a standardized method of dental recording were available and practiced. The dental enamel is the hardest and most indestructible tissue in the human body. It is highly resistant to the elements. It can be destroyed only at exceedingly high temperatures. Not being soluble in water, it resists submersion. Being composed almost entirely of inorganic elements (97%), unlike organic tissue, it is not subject to the forces of decomposition. The materials used in dental restorations (silver, gold, platinum, fused porcelain) are also highly resistant to destruction by chemical and physical forces. The deciduous or temporary teeth begin to develop in the embryonic jaw about five months before birth; the first of the permanent teeth, one month before birth. There are, then, dental characteristics before birth, during life, and even after death. After the extraction of all teeth the residual bone retains certain x-ray characteristics: the arch forms are typical and individualistic; the palatal surface or roof of the mouth is exactly the size, shape, and

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