Panoramic radiograph as a clue for human identification: A forensic case report

Forensic odontology works in the interface between dentistry and law. Human identification is an important procedure performed by Forensic Dentists. The present study reports a case of dental human identification of a highly decomposed human body identified through the comparison of antemortem (AM) and postmortem (PM) panoramic radiographs. The AM radiograph was performed for planning dental implants, while the PM radiograph reproduced the same AM technique to enable a reliable comparative procedure. Radiographic dental similarities observed AM and PM led to a positive human identification. The importance of forensic odontology for legal purposes is highlighted and illustrated in the current study.