Journal

What are three ways that investigators can use Forensic Anthropology (human remains) and Forensic Odontology (teeth) to identify a victim?

Forensic Odontology

Forensic Odontology

Also known as “Forensic Dentistry”

First “Forensic Dentist” in the U.S. was Paul Revere. He helped identify fallen Revolutionary War soldiers.

The proper handling, examination, and evaluation of dental evidence.

This dental evidence can be used to help “reconstruct a crime scene” or help identify a victim.

Forensic Odontologists

Forensic Dentists are responsible for 6 main areas of practice:

A) Identification of found human remainsB) Identification in mass fatalitiesC) Assessment of bite mark injuriesD) Assessment of case of abuse (child,

spousal, elder)E) Civil cases involving malpracticeF) Age estimation

Dental Evidence

Evidence may be derived from teeth. DNA, Age, Individual Characteristics of Bite Marks

Useful in determining the age and identification of the person to whom the teeth belong.

Bite Marks

Bite marks can be left on the following:A) Victim (by the attacker)

B) Perpetrator (from the victim of an attack)

C) Object at the crime scene

Age Estimation

Age can be estimated using dental records.

Tooth eruption and tooth wear are observed to give an age estimation.

Odontologists examine the cementum: mineralized tissue that lines the surface of tooth roots.

Cementum exhibits annual patterns of deposition.

Four Types of Teeth

Incisors

Canine

Premolars

Molars

Incisors

Flat surfaces

Straight, sharp horizontal edge for cutting and biting

Long, single conical root

Canine

Very strong, pointed “corner” teeth

Larger and stronger than incisors

Used for tearing and shredding

Single root longer than other tooth types

Pre-molars (Bicuspid Teeth)

8 Premolars

Used for chewing of food

Placed laterally behind the canine teeth

1-2 roots

Molars

12 Molars“Back” human teethLarge and flat upper

surface2-4 RootsLargest of the

permanent teethUsed for final

chewing/grinding of food before swallowing

Tooth Numbering System

Anatomy of a Tooth

Tooth enamelDentinDental pulpCementumGumsPeriodontal ligamentAlveolar bone

Anatomy of a Tooth

Enamel

Hardest part of the tooth

Hardest of all the tissues in the human body

Protective tooth structure that covers the exposed part of the tooth (the crown)

Dentin

Also known as “Ivory”

Tissue below the tooth enamel that forms the main mass of a tooth.

Supports the tooth enamel and supports the pressure of eating

Dental Pulp

Soft connective tissue containing nerves and blood vessels that nourish the tooth.

The most internal structure of a tooth (surrounded by dentine)

Found in the soft center of a tooth (inside the chamber and root canal).

Contains DNA.

Cementum

Covers the dentine outside of the root (under the gum line)

Attached to the bone of the jaw with little elastic fibers.

Cementum is hard as bone but not as hard as the tooth enamel.

Gums

Tough pink colored tissue that covers the bone of the jaw.

Supports the tooth structure inside the alveolar bone.

Periodontal Ligament

Tissue between the cementum and the alveolar bone.

Consists of tough, little elastic fibers that keep the tooth attached to the jaw.

Alveolar Bone

The bone of the jaw.

Keeps the tooth in its place.

Feeds and protects the tooth.

Using Dental Records to Identify Remains

Using Dental Records to Identify Remains

High Profile Criminal Cases

Wayne Boden (first case of Forensic Dentistry)

Ted Bundy

Wayne Boden Case

First case of forensic dentistry.

Canadian serial killer and rapist (1969-1971)

Called the “Vampire Rapist” because he bit the breast of his victims.

Forensic Odontology evidence led to his conviction.

Ted Bundy

American serial killer (1974-1978)Escaped twice from county jails before final

apprehension in February 1978.Confessed to over 30 murders (estimates

range from 26 to over 100)A combination of a witness and tooth

impressions left on one of his victims helped to convict Ted Bundy.