Human dentition and its importance for forensic identification

When an unknown cadaver is found it is necessary to identify it. In addition to visual identification, finger print analysis and DNA analysis can also be used to identify it. There is also a possibility of dental identification which is a frequently used approach. During the investigation, antemortem dental records are obtained and then compared with postmortem dental findings. X-ray images of dentition are the most often analyzed material. Dental restorations can be seen on these images and they are reliable identification features. In the case where toothless remains are found there is still a variety of options how to identify the person. However, forensic odontology does not only deal with the identification of the deceased but it is also applied to the analysis of bitemarks or it is also possible to examine lip prints left at the crime scene and their assignment to the person who left the lip print. Keywords: identification, forensic odontology, bitemarks, lip print