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Forensic considerations when dealing with incinerated human dental remains
Gowri Vijay Reesu1, Jeyaseelan Augustine2, Aadithya B Urs2
1Department of Forensic Odontology, Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, MAMC Complex, B.S. Zafar Marg, New Delhi 110002, India.
Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine
|January 10, 2015
Summary
Teeth are crucial for human identification due to their durability. Proper handling and stabilization of incinerated dental remains are vital for forensic identification, especially after disasters.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Odontology
- Disaster Victim Identification
- Human Identification
Background:
- Teeth are the most durable human tissues, resistant to fire, decomposition, and immersion.
- Dental evidence is often the sole means of identification in mass disasters or when bodies are unrecognizable.
- Improper handling can destroy critical dental evidence needed for identification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing studies on incinerated human dental remains.
- To discuss the impact of incinerated dental evidence on human identification processes.
- To propose a systematic, step-by-step approach for evaluating and preserving such evidence.
Main Methods:
- Composite review of various studies on incinerated human dental remains.
- Analysis of the challenges in preserving fragile dental structures.
- Discussion of best practices for handling and stabilizing dental evidence.
Main Results:
- Incinerated dental remains present unique challenges for identification.
- Proper stabilization techniques are crucial to maintain the integrity of fragile dental structures.
- A systematic approach is necessary to prevent loss of potential identification evidence.
Conclusions:
- Forensic dentists must stabilize incinerated teeth before transport to prevent evidence loss.
- Adherence to proper protocols ensures the preservation of vital identification evidence.
- A systematic evaluation process is essential for successful identification from incinerated dental remains.
