N. Devos , G. Willems, R. Wood
Colour is a subjective sensation and as such is difficult to use in a quantitative study. However a number of clinical studies on extracted teeth have shown a good correlation between tooth colour and age. The purpose of this study was to examine the usefulness of a specific spectrophotometer in determining tooth colour on extracted and non- extracted teeth and to look for a possible age relationship. There were two parts in this study. An ex vivo study concentrated on collected tooth material. Single rooted teeth were selected out of each of the 5- year-age groups (ages ranged from 15-89 years). Colour measurements were performed on the mesial and vestibular aspects of the roots as well on the mid-vestibular aspects of the enamel crown. An in vivo study concentrated on the use of this specific shade taking system in living patients (n=70). Statistical analysis of the results revealed regression formulas for both ex vivo and in vivo situations displaying adjusted R-squares between 0.48 and 0.56. It may be concluded that age related trends were found. Having its shortcomings, the shade taking system was found to perform well as a convenient adjunct to dental age estimation in both the living and the deceased
(J Forensic Odontostomatol 2009;27;2:2-8)
Macroscopic And Microscopic Changes In Incinerated Deciduous Teeth
S. Karkhanis, J. Ball, D. Franklin
Teeth are amongst the most resilient elements of the human skeleton and are thus often utilized in routine forensic investigation involving the identification of unknown remains. Teeth exposed to thermal stress have the potential to not only aid in identification, but also in understanding the circumstances surrounding the fire. Children are twice as likely to become victims of house fire because of an inability to safely evacuate from areas of danger. The literature demonstrates, however, that research on the effects of incineration on teeth is mostly restricted to the permanent dentition. The apparent lack of knowledge on the effects of incineration on deciduous teeth thus necessitates further research in this area. To this end, this study aimed to relate colour changes that occur post heating with fragility to aid in proper handling of samples in a forensic scenario and to determine the possibility of identifying incineration temperature based on tooth condition. Teeth are amongst the most resilient elements of the human skeleton and are thus often utilized in routine forensic investigation involving the identification of unknown remains. Teeth exposed to thermal stress have the potential to not only aid in identification, but also in understanding the circumstances surrounding the fire. Children are twice as likely to become victims of house fire because of an inability to safely evacuate from areas of danger. The literature demonstrates, however, that research on the effects of incineration on teeth is mostly restricted to the permanent dentition. The apparent lack of knowledge on the effects of incineration on deciduous teeth thus necessitates further research in this area. To this end, this study aimed to relate colour changes that occur post heating with fragility to aid in proper handling of samples in a forensic scenario and to determine the possibility of identifying incineration temperature based on tooth condition.
A total of 90 deciduous teeth, extracted as a part of routine clinical treatment, were exposed to temperatures ranging from 100°C to 1100°C for 30 minutes using a laboratory Gallenkamp oven. Unheated deciduous teeth were used as controls for the project. Post-incineration the teeth were analyzed under a stereomicroscope and SEM to assess the morphological changes. A colorimetric assessment was also undertaken to evaluate colour changes due to thermal stress. It was possible to identify incineration temperature based on tooth condition when the colour changes, stereomicroscopic findings and SEM images were utilized collectively. It was concluded that thermally induced changes in primary teeth occur at lower temperatures in comparison to the permanent teeth. It was also established that post-incineration deciduous teeth are fragile and show a tendency to fragment after minimal exposure to thermal stress
(J Forensic Odontostomatol 2009;27;2:9-19)
Dental Age Related Tables For Children Of Various Ethnic Groups In South Africa
V.M. Phillips, T.J. van Wyk Kotze
Dental age estimation of juvenile skeletal remains has utilized the methods of Moorrees, Fanning and Hunt (1963) [MFH] and Demirjian, Goldstein and Tanner (1973) [DGT] for many years with various results. The Demirjian et al method has been tested by several authors on their population groups with varying results. The use of these methods to age the skeletal remains of South African children by the author has not been successful. The aim of this study was to test the accuracy of the dental age estimation methods of MFH and DGT on samples of children of different ethnic groups. The study showed that the MFH method consistently under-estimates the age and the method of Demirjian et al over-estimates the ages
(J Forensic Odontostomatol 2009;27;2:20-28)
V.M. Phillips, T.J. van Wyk Kotze
The standard age estimation methods of Moorrees, Fanning and Hunt (1963) and that of Demirjian, Goldstein and Tanner (1973) have been shown by several authors to be inaccurate when applied to their juvenile population. This was similarly found to be true in South African children. Pantomographic radiographs of samples of South African children of White, Coloured, Indian and Black origin were used to develop dental age related tables for these ethnic groups. These dental age estimation tables were tested and are presented
(J Forensic Odontostomatol 2009;27;2:29-44)
B. Rai, J. Kaur, S.C. Anand
Age estimation is not only important for clinical but also for medico-legal purposes. The present study is an attempt to estimate the chronologic age based on the stages of third molar development following the eight stages (A–H) method of Demirjian et al8 and to compare third molar development by sex and age. We examined 250 orthopantomograms of young north Indian subjects of known chronologic age (range, 7-26 years). Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U-test and the Wilcoxon test between sex and age. Regression analysis was performed to obtain BR regression formulae for dental age calculation with the chronologic age. Statistically significant differences in mandibular third-molar development between males and females were revealed regarding the calcification stages D and G. The results further indicated that third-molar formation was attained earlier in females than in males. Statistical analysis showed a strong correlation between age and third-molar development for both the sexes
(J Forensic Odontostomatol 2009;27;2:45-49)
The Effect Of Motor Vehicle Airbag Deployment On Tooth Surfaces
A. Ashar, H. James, D. Higgins, J. Kaidonis, R.W.G. Anderson
Motor vehicle airbag technology is directed at the reduction of injury to drivers and passengers however a number of researchers have reported cases of injuries caused by airbags. Injuries to tooth surfaces, particularly tooth wear following the deployment of motor vehicle airbags, have never been studied. A review of the literature and clinical experience does not suggest tooth enamel abrasion to be a likely outcome following airbag deployment. This in vitro pilot study was conducted to assess the effect on tooth surfaces following the deployment of motor vehicle airbags, and in particular to attempt to reproduce the injuries claimed in a case report published in the Journal of Forensic Odonto- Stomatology in December 2007. A sample of extracted upper anterior teeth (n = 20) were analyzed using unaided visual observation, photographic and microscopic observation pre- and post- airbag deployment. Teeth were mounted on a fabricated head form (similar to those used in crash test dummies) using dental putty. The tests were performed using a modified airbag test rig with airbags deployed in 5 different positions relative to the head, with respect to distance and angulations. The result of the tests showed no changes to the teeth with unaided observation, macro photography or under the microscope. Tooth wear patterns described in the case report were not observed. Although accurate reproduction of an in vivo situation is not possible, this study has given some insight into the effects of motor vehicle airbag deployment, and suggests that significant tooth wear is an unlikely outcome from airbag deployment
(J Forensic Odontostomatol 2009;27;2:50-55)
J. Taylor
The need for documented procedures and protocols are important in every specialist group to ensure a consistent service to the community. They provide guidance to members of the specialist group about responsibilities and appropriate practices, and confidence to the community that the services are of the highest possible standard. In a Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) incident, by enabling the process to be audited, they also serve to ensure that identifications are reliable. Following the Bali Bombings of 2002 and the 2004 Asian Tsunami the Australian Society of Forensic Odontology recognised the need for a practice guide to assist the management of their members in DVI incidents. 31 members of the Australian Society of Forensic Odontology participated in the development of a guideline document for Disaster Victim Identification using a Delphi based model. The advantage of using the iterative Delphi process is that it encouraged participants to think about the processes used in the forensic odontology aspects of a DVI incident and their expectations of a guiding document. The document developed as a result of this project is comprehensive in coverage and places the Australian Society of Forensic Odontology at the vanguard of professionalism in the forensic odontology and DVI community
(J Forensic Odontostomatol 2009;27;2:56-63)
A Brief History Of Forensic Odontology And Disaster Victim Identification Practices In Australia
J. Taylor
Today we consider forensic odontology to be a specialised and reliable method of identification of the deceased, particularly in multiple fatality incidents. While this reputation has been gained from the application of forensic odontology in both single identification and disaster situations over a number of years, the professional nature of the discipline and its practices have evolved only recently. This paper summarises some of early uses of forensic odontology internationally and in Australia and discusses the development of both forensic odontology and Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) practices in each of the states and territories of Australia. The earliest accounts of the use of forensic odontology in Australia date to the 1920’s and 30’s, and were characterised by inexperienced practitioners and little procedural formality. An organised and semi-formal service commenced in most states during the 1960’s although its use by police forces was spasmodic. Today the service provided by qualified and experienced forensic odontologists is highly professional and regularly utilised by police and coronial services. The development of DVI Practices in Australia began following the crash of a Vickers Viscount aircraft into Botany Bay in 1961 and, as with practices internationally, have evolved into an equally professional and reliable specialist discipline of policing in which forensic odontology plays a significant part
(J Forensic Odontostomatol 2009;27;2:64-74)
Fused Atlantic Posterior Arch Hypoplasia — Rachischisis?
K.J. Dennison
Bony fusion between the skull and the vertebral column is a sufficiently rare skeletal anomaly that we may never have the opportunity to see it during our career. An ‘evidential’ discovery led to an example being made available for detailed study. This illustrated paper presents the findings of the study, reviews other studies, and discusses the genetic origins of such an outcome
(J Forensic Odontostomatol 2009;27;2:75-80)
Case Report – “Choumps” Enamel Tattoos Revisited
C. Anand Kumar, S. Hemant
Because all humans have an identity in life, compassionate societies require that this identity be recognized after death. Traits that are incorporated purposefully into the teeth as a result of cultural considerations are common. The positive identification of living or deceased persons using the unique traits and characteristics of the teeth is a cornerstone of forensic science. As an adjunct to the previously published article on "CHOUMPS" Enamel Tattoos, (Journal of Forensic Odonto-stomatology 2007,25:61-2), the present report provides an insight into more patterns of highly individual enamel tattoos, various instruments and procedures to perform it and discusses the myths and beliefs associated with this practice