Curvature-based 3D dental comparison to identify trauma-induced surface changes in human teeth: 
a forensic...

Area of Science:

• Forensic Odontology
• Biomechanical Trauma Analysis
• 3D Imaging and Analysis

Background:

• Forensic identification relies on unique biological markers, with dentition playing a crucial role.
• Blunt force trauma can significantly alter dental structures, posing challenges for identification.
• Existing 3D dental comparison methods need evaluation under trauma conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the performance of a curvature-based 3D dental comparison method (keypoint pipeline) for forensic identification.
• To evaluate the impact of standardized blunt force trauma on human dentitions using 3D scanning.
• To determine the reliability of the keypoint pipeline in matching dental records post-trauma.

Main Methods:

• Ten human jaw specimens (5 maxillae, 5 mandibulae) were scanned pre- and post-blunt force trauma (approx. 3154 N).
• Intraoral 3D scanners captured dental arch data; trauma outcomes were documented via video, photography, and 3D scans.
• The keypoint pipeline analyzed post-trauma scans by comparing dental surface curvature signatures.

Main Results:

• The keypoint pipeline achieved 92.5% accuracy in identifying true matches, even with severe damage and displacement.
• Dissimilarity scores were significantly lower for true matches (mean: 0.55) than mismatches (mean: 0.78).
• Fracture patterns varied between maxillary and mandibular specimens, demonstrating differential trauma responses.

Conclusions:

• Curvature-based 3D dental analysis using the keypoint pipeline is a reliable method for forensic identification.
• The method demonstrates robustness in identifying individuals despite significant dental alterations from blunt force trauma.
• Findings support integrating this 3D analysis into forensic odontology, especially for mass disaster victim identification.