Role of dentomaxillofacial radiology in forensic dentistry

Forensic dentistry is one of the important branches of forensic science and it is a branch which offers helpful information for the legal processes including identification of human remains along with age and sex determination. Dental forensic examination can involve the identification of a single individual or multiple individuals depending on the specific situation. Dentomaxillofacial radiology and radiological examination is a valuable tool for personal identification in forensic dentistry. Utilization of X-ray recordings are essential for many parameters related to identification since they shed light on many issues both in determining current conditions and in comparisons with the past. Comparing antemortem and postmortem radiographs taken from areas such as the skull or teeth is a reliable and objective method for identifying individuals. Radiographs and their proper preservation are crucial for present day assessments, historical comparisons and legal issues when necessary. While intraoral and extra oral radiographs were initially used in forensic dentistry, cone beam computed tomography application gained popularity in recent years. The use of radiology in forensic dentistry is not only necessary for identification, but also for age determination in mass casualties and disasters. The purpose of this mini-review is to provide information on the use of dental radiology in forensic dentistry.