[Suicidal gunshots through the mouth in patients with dental prostheses]

An analysis of the forensic autopsies performed in Freiburg showed that 21% of the suicides by shooting involved a shot into the mouth. Persons in their 7th and 8th decade of life accounted for 11% of the suicides by shooting. In this age the percentage of denture-wearers is particularly high. Accordingly gunshot-related damages of complete or partial dentures are likely to be seen in forensic practice. These may involve both the denture base (mostly consisting of polymethyl methacrylate) and the teeth (made of synthetic or ceramic material). At autopsies the following findings could be seen; entry defect in the palatal part of the maxillary prosthesis larger than the calibre, funnel-shaped widening (bevelling) of the gunshot hole on the palatal side, fracture lines in the denture base radiating from the gunshot hole, injuries in the palatal soft tissues due to denture fragments, fractures of the front teeth region of the prosthesis due to the recoil impact of the foresight as well as soot soiling of the denture base and the lingual surfaces of the front teeth. The findings observed in autopsies could be experimentally reproduced by test shots on isolated complete maxillary prostheses.