An alternate method for extracting DNA from environmentally challenged teeth for improved DNA analysis.

Area of Science:

• Forensic Science
• Molecular Biology
• Dentistry

Background:

• Standard DNA extraction from teeth often requires destructive grinding, compromising valuable morphological data.
• Existing methods for accessing pulp cavity DNA can be invasive, damaging tooth structure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare a novel, grinding-free DNA extraction method using endodontic files with standard grinding techniques.
• To evaluate the efficiency and DNA yield for forensic analysis from environmentally challenged teeth.

Main Methods:

• A minimally invasive retrograde approach using endodontic files to harvest pulp and dentine from the apical end.
• Comparison of DNA yield, amplifiable DNA quantity, and short tandem repeat (STR) profile quality against a whole-root grinding method.

Main Results:

• The filing method, though more laborious, produced substantially higher amplifiable DNA per milligram of dentine powder.
• Significantly higher numbers of detected STR alleles and improved peak height ratios were observed with the filing method.
• Preservation of tooth crown and root morphology was achieved, unlike destructive grinding methods.

Conclusions:

• The grinding-free, endodontic file method offers a superior approach for forensic DNA extraction from teeth.
• This minimally invasive technique enhances DNA quality and quantity while preserving critical morphological evidence.