Radiography in forensic dental identification--a review

It is recognised that reliable objective evidence is provided by medical and dental radiographs in forensic identification. This depends on the observation and comparison of anatomical and artificial structures recorded in both ante-mortem and post-mortem radiographs, and which can be regarded as unequivocal evidence. The introduction of new technology into the area of radiographic imaging provides both clear advantages and also some cause for concern where image enhancement can be carried out which may give rise to dispute if this technology is to be applied to forensic dental identification. To date there have been no published forensic case reports involving the use of directly acquired digital radiographs but it is anticipated that this will change. The technical advantages and known limitations need to be considered if this method of radiography is to be applied in forensic dental identification.