Forensic Odontology

What is Forensic Odontology used for? Body Identification Bite Mark Analysis

Maxilla – upper jaw Mandible – lower jaw Anatomy of Oral Cavity: Forensic Odontology > Body Identification Anatomy of Oral Cavity: Maxilla – upper jaw Mandible – lower jaw

Anatomy of Oral Cavity Primary dentition Baby teeth or milk teeth Forensic Odontology > Body Identification Anatomy of Oral Cavity Primary dentition Baby teeth or milk teeth 20 teeth

Permanent dentition Anatomy of Oral Cavity Start at 6-8 years old Forensic Odontology > Body Identification Anatomy of Oral Cavity Permanent dentition Start at 6-8 years old 32 teeth

Anatomy of Tooth Crown Enamel Pulp Root Cementum Forensic Odontology > Body Identification Anatomy of Tooth Crown Enamel Pulp Contains DNA Root Cementum

Forensic Odontology > Body Identification A body is identified by comparing teeth and bone structures of the body to the dental records of the suspected individual.

A body is identified in 3 steps: Forensic Odontology > Body Identification A body is identified in 3 steps: 1. Postmortem examination of the body 2. Locating the antemortem dental records 3. Comparing the body to the dental records

Postmortem Examination: Forensic Odontology > Body Identification Postmortem Examination: May examine teeth while in the body (if body needed for funeral) or May remove jaw (using bone saw) and remove soft tissue using hydrogen peroxide.

Postmortem Examination Forensic Odontology > Body Identification Postmortem Examination Each tooth or socket is examined individually and the following is recorded: 1. Presence/absence of tooth 2. Socket present or healed Healed socket = past removal Present socket = recent removal 3. Erupted vs. Unerupted 4. Filling or Crown Material

Postmortem Examination Forensic Odontology > Body Identification Postmortem Examination After examination of teeth, they should be photographed and X-rays should be taken.

Forensic Odontology > Body Identification Antemortem Records If body is known, dental records can usually be recovered from his or her dentist. If body is unknown, the examination results are submitted to a missing person registry.

Identification in Mass Disasters: Forensic Odontology > Body Identification Identification in Mass Disasters: Split into 4 teams. Run by Chief Forensic Dentist. 1. Recovery at disaster scene. 2. Postmortem exams at morgue. 3. Collect antemortem dental records. 4. Comparisons with computer software.

September 11 In the attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, only around half of the estimated 2,749 victims were ever identified, through a mixture of DNA , jewellery, and dental records.

Normal Adult Human Teeth

What to look for in a bite mark… distance from canine to canine tooth alignment teeth width, thickness, spacing missing teeth wear patterns including chips and grinding dental history including fillings, crowns, etc.

Every tooth has a name… 3rd Molar (wisdom tooth) 2nd Molar (12-yr molar) 1st Molar (6-yr molar) 2nd Bicuspid (2nd premolar) 1st Bicuspid (1st premolar) Cuspid (canine/eye tooth) Lateral incisor Central incisor

Case Study –Roy Brown Bite-mark Analysis Controversy In January 2007, prisoner Roy Brown, who had been convicted of murder in New York in 1992, was set free. Brown was one of many prisoners who have been released after DNA analysis, not available or widely used during their trial, cleared them of their crimes. In Brown's case, bite-mark analysis was instrumental in his conviction. But DNA from saliva left on the bite matched with a different suspect. So what went wrong? The bite mark in the Brown case showed six tooth impressions from the front teeth of the upper jaw, although he was missing two teeth at the time. The expert witness claimed that Brown could have moved the skin of the victim around when biting to make it appear that he wasn't missing any teeth. Although this testimony was not the only evidence used by the prosecution, it was instrumental in helping jurors reach a guilty verdict.

Case Study – Vampire Rapist Known as the Vampire Rapist for his distinctive modus operandi, Wayne Clifford Boden sparked a 2-year reign of terror in Montreal in the early 70’s. His victims were young women whom he would rape, strangle and then bite their breasts. All the victims were found to have a peculiar serene look when found. He received life in prison after being convicted with help from orthodontist testimony and his own bite marks.

Activities Watch Odontology1.flv Do Teeth Impressions activity Read Ted Bundy case study