Forensic dentistry in the identification of victims and assailants

The teeth are the least destructible part of the body and may remain more or less intact for many years beyond death. In addition, because of their stability in a biological sense, and because during their formation disease may affect the hard tissues of the teeth themselves, they contain information about the physiological and pathological events in the life of the individual which remain as markers within the hard tissues of the teeth. Therapeutic activity by a dentist in the form of restorations and prostheses may modify an individual's dentition in a more or less unique manner. It is the role of the forensic dentist to assess this biological and chemical information, and use it in the identification of an unknown body. The teeth may also be used to inflict injury on a victim in the form of a bite. The resulting bite mark may not only indicate the degree of aggression during the assault but if sufficient details are available within it, may enable the forensic dentist to determine the identity of the assailant. This important aspect of forensic dentistry is commonly required in non-accidental injuries to children and in instances of grievous bodily harm, rape and murder of child or adult.