Forensic Dentistry – A Buzzing Issue

Forensic Dentistry – A Buzzing Issue

Author Name : Dr Achla Bharti Yadav, Dr Abhinav Kumar Singh, Dr Sumit Kumar Yadav, Dr Neal Bharat Kedia

INTRODUCTION: The term "forensic" is a Latin word, meaning forum or a place where legal matters are discussed. Forensic dentistry  or  forensic odontology  is the proper handling, examination and evaluation of dental evidence, which then is presented for the interest of justice.¹Human identification is one of the major fields of study and research in forensic science. Fingerprints have been historically used for identification. However, hands and fingers may be mutilated or damaged following putrefaction, fire or prolonged immersion in water. In some conditions, a body may be completely skeletonized within two months after death.¹ Here, the craniofacial structures have the advantage of being composed largely of hard tissue which is relatively indestructible. The teeth are the least destructible part of the body under most conditions occuring in nature. So cephalo-facial remains are frequently brought in for forensic & postmortem examinations. This encompasses forensic dentistry.