Forensic Odontology, Research Dentistry

A Odontologia Legal, dentre muitas outras competências, procede à identificação humana através de informações coletadas no exame da cavidade bucal e dos dentes principalmente. Objetivo: fazer uma revisão de literatura sobre a estimativa de idade de crianças através da arcada dentária para descobrir como essa perícia é realizada e exemplificar alguns dos métodos mais utilizados e ver se esses são válidos.

Forensic odontology (FO) is taught worldwide but was not being taught in Pakistan until recently. This study aimed to assess awareness and acknowledgement of FO amongst dental faculty members and students of dental institutes in Pakistan at the undergraduate level. Two sets of questionnaires (Q_1-faculty/Q_2-students) consisting of 12 close-ended questions were distributed in 34 public/private dental institutes. Data was qualitatively analysed in Microsoft Excel 2018. A total of 145(Q_1) and 1017(Q_2) responses were received. 98 % dental faculty members and 86 % students believed FO should be taught to Pakistan's undergraduates. According to 56 % dental faculty members, FO should be taught as an independent subject as opposed to other members who suggested to merge FO with Oral Biology (32.4 %) or Oral & Maxillo-Facial Surgery (24.1 %). The teaching should take place during the second last or final year (68 %) with a weekly schedule of one-hour class session (53.8 %). Results also showed 80 % students are interested in receiving formal training. They expressed great interest in human identification and facial reconstruction. In conclusion, the dental council of Pakistan must liaise with dental institutes in order to devise a framework of guidelines or minimum requirements to deliver the teaching in FO.

Introduction: Estimating age using the dentition plays a significant role in identification
of the individual in forensic cases. Teeth are one of the most durable and strongest
structures in the human body. The morphology and arrangement of teeth vary from
person‑to‑person and is unique to an individual as are the fingerprints. Therefore, the
use of dentition is the method of choice in the identification of the unknown. Root dentin
translucency is considered to be one of the best parameters for dental age estimation.
Traditionally, root dentin translucency was measured using calipers. Recently, the use
of custom built software programs have been proposed for the same. Objectives: The
present study describes a method to measure root dentin translucency on sectioned teeth
using a custom built software program Adobe Photoshop 7.0 version (Adobe system
Inc, Mountain View California). Materials and Methods: A total of 50 single rooted
teeth were sectioned longitudinally to derive a 0.25 mm uniform thickness and the root
dentin translucency was measured using digital and caliper methods and compared.
The Gustafson’s morphohistologic approach is used in this study. Results: Correlation
coefficients of translucency measurements to age were statistically significant for both
the methods (P < 0.125) and linear regression equations derived from both methods
revealed better ability of the digital method to assess age. Conclusion: The custom
built software program used in the present study is commercially available and widely
used image editing software. Furthermore, this method is easy to use and less time
consuming. The measurements obtained using this method are more precise and thus
help in more accurate age estimation. Considering these benefits, the present study
recommends the use of digital method to assess translucency for age estimation.
Key words: Age estimation, caliper method, dental identification, dentin translucency,
digital method, forensic dentistry

ABSTRACT Background: Ultrasonic irrigation has been proved for its remarkable cleaning efficiency in the field of endodontics. But its role in endodontic re-treatment has been understated. There is not much data available to understand the effect of ultrasonic irrigation for the evaluation of cleanliness of dentinal tubules when it is used with or without chloroform, a gutta percha solvent during endodontic retreatment. Aim: To compare the influence of ultrasonic irrigation with syringe irrigation on cleanliness of dentinal tubules after gutta perch removal for endodontic retreatment with or without the use of chloroform a gutta percha solvent using scanning electron microscope (SEM). Materials  and  Methods: Freshly extracted 45 human mandibular premolar teeth for periodontal and orthodontic reasons were taken and were occlusally adjusted to a working length of 19 mm. The root canals of all teeth were prepared chemo mechanically to a master apical file size 40 and were divided in various groups. In Group 1 (n = 5; control group), the canals remained unfilled. In Groups 2 and 3 (n = 20 each), the canals were filled using lateral compaction with gutta-percha and AH plus sealer, removal of root fillings was undertaken after 2 weeks using Gates Glidden drills and H files without chloroform in Group 2 and with chloroform in group 3. The specimen of Group 2 and 3 were further divided into two subgroups I and
II (n=10). In subgroup I, irrigation was done using side vented needles and sodium hypochlorite. In subgroup II irrigation was done using passive ultrasonic irrigation with sodium hypochlorite. Thereafter, the roots were split and the sections were observed under SEM. The number of occluded dentinal tubules /total number of dentinal tubules were calculated for the coronal, middle and apical third of each root half. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s test using standardized technique. Result: Results indicated that the cleanest dentinal tubules were found in the control group (Group 1 where the canals were unfilled) followed by the non chloroform group with ultrasonic irrigation (Group 3 subdivision II) followed by chloroform group with ultrasonic irrigation (Group 2 subdivision II), the non chloroform group with syringe irrigation (Group 3 subdivision I) and least cleanliness was found in the chloroform group with syringe irrigation (Group 2 subdivision I). Conclusion: Under the limitations of this study it could be concluded that both ultrasonic and syringe irrigation showed cleaner canals when chloroform was not used. Irrigation when done with ultrasonics leads to cleaner tubules than syringe irrigation. Hence, mechanical methods of retrieval in conjunction with use of passive ultrasonic irrigation should be a part of retreatment protocol.
dr VINEET VINAYAK  | dr VINEET VINAYAK|

Background: The lip print pattern is a unique among individuals and thus helps in the identification during the forensic investigation. Lip print analysis in the forensic scene may help in the personal identification. Thus, correlating the lip print with the finger print and gender will create a new room in forensic dentistry investigation.
Aim: This study aims to identify the lip and finger print pattern and to correlate lip and finger print pattern for gender identification.
Materials and Methods: A total of 100 students from dental institution were included in this study. Of which, 50 were male and 50 were female.. Their aged range between 18 and 28 years with a mean age of 21.3 years. The physiological rest position of the lip print was recorded by the application of red or dark pink colored lipstick over the lips and the imprint was transferred over a white chart sheet through a transparent tape. The imprint of the finger was taken directly on a white chart sheet. The lip and finger print pattern was examined with magnifying lens. The results were analyzed using SPSS software 19.0 (Armonk, NY, USA) and presented as a descriptive statistics. A correlation of lip print with finger print and gender variation was analyzed by Pearson correlation test.
Results: The study identified higher prevalence of Type II (34%) lip print pattern in the overall study population. In males, Type I lip print (42%) and plain loop finger print pattern (44%) was frequent in the study. In males, the correlation of lip and finger print patter showed weaker correlation and statistically insignificant (P = 0.436). In females, Type II lip print (34%) and plain loop finger print pattern (42%) was frequent in the study. In females, the correlation of the lip and finger print pattern showed weaker correlation with approachable statistical significance (P = 0.083). The correlation of lip and finger print with gender showed weaker correlation and approachable significance (P = 0.07). The association of lip and finger print in the study showed statistically insignificant. However, the association of Type III lip print pattern with loop finger print pattern showed statistical significant association (P = 0.05) by Chi-square analysis.
Conclusion: Lip print analysis is a challenging area in the personal identification during forensic dentistry examination. The study revealed the weaker correlation and approachable significance of lip and finger print pattern in gender identification. Future studies should be encouraged in the direction of software based identification for lip and finger print analysis in gender identification. Such studies may benefit this study pattern in more accurate way.

The paper describes a simple procedure of facial reconstruction for forensic and other purposes utilizing tissue thickness determined from a cadaver of the same average age, body weight, race and ethnic origin. The technique reconstructs the face by making of an impression of the skull which is later poured with high strength gypsum. The thickness of the facial tissues is determined by measurements that were taken on a cadaver of same sex, age, ethnicity, body weight and origin. The muscles of the face were built using clay and then the clay model was refined by using the same clay of different consistency. A digital photograph is taken of the model which later serves as a 2-dimensional sketch for identification.

A higher percentage of both males (70.0%) and females (67.7%) were presented with normal sella. The second best sella presentation was the shallow sella in males (16.2%). The mean antero-posterior diameter was higher in females (12.25 mm) than males (11.74 mm). The mean depth of sella turcica was greater in females (8.08 mm) than males (7.68 mm). Discrimi-nant function analysis was done with gender as a grouping variable and antero-posterior dimensions and sella depth as independent variables. The formula obtained was D = 0.452 (x) +0.295(y)-7.753. (Where "D" is the discriminant score, "x" is antero-posterior diameter of sella, "y" is sella depth). The present study revealed an overall accuracy rate of 58.1% in identifying correct gender using sella measurements. The present study was the first of its kind in the South Indian population and has presented results that justify the use of sella turcica for sex determination. ‫اجلمجمة‬ ‫يف‬ ‫الرتكي‬ ‫ال�سرج‬ ‫لعظم‬ ‫املورفولوجي‬ ‫الراديوي‬ ‫التحليل‬ Abstract The present study was undertaken to identify the role of radio-morphometric analysis of sella turcica in sex determination. A total of 260 good quality lateral cephalo-grams (130 males and 130 females) were randomly selected from the orthodontic database between 2014 and 2015. Radiographic measurements (an-tero-posterior diameter and depth of sella) were carried out by a senior oral radiologist. The values obtained were tabulated in a spreadsheet and subjected to statistical analysis (SPSS version 16.0, 518 The name sella turcica is derived from Latin which means "Turkish saddle" [1]. It is located in the middle cranial fossa and lies on the body of sphenoid. It consists of central pituitary fossa bounded anteriorly by tuberculum sella, pos-teriorly by dorsum sella and inferiorly by spheniodal sinus. The sella is usually demarcated by a dense thin white curve on lateral cephalograms and acts as a noteworthy reference point. It is readily traceable for metric analysis, which makes it an excellent source of information for identification of patholo-gies related to the pituitary gland. The anatomy of sella will vary in size and shape from person to person in different populations. Most of the studies related to sella shapes are on western populations. In this context, Zagga et al. insisted upon creating baseline database studies from indigenous population groups based on their ethnic origin [2]. The radiographic and morphometric variations of sella are mostly related to variations in growth, which plays a vital role in sex determination. Females have earlier and more prolonged growth spurts compared to males [3]. The pituitary gland enlarges during the period of active growth, causing sella to enlarge with it [4]. Moreover, the dimensions of sella can be successfully calculated using plane radiographs, which are highly economical from the patient's point of view [5]. Hence, the present study was undertaken to establish the normal dimensions of sella turcica in the South Indian population with the objective of identifying the role of radio-morphomet-ric analysis of sella turcica in sex determination. 2. Materials and Methods The study procedure was explained and institutional ethical committee approval was obtained (IRB NO: SJDC/ RP/2016-07). A total of 260 good quality lateral cephalo-grams (130 males and 130 females) were randomly selected from the orthodontic database between 2014 and 2015.

"Abstract
The aim of this research is contribute to the discussion on the origin of the Late and Formative pre-Hispanic societies of the Calima archaeological region of Colombia. Dental remains examined in this research belong to 114 individuals distributed in seven cemeteries located in the Calima archaeological region. There were 15 dental nonmetric traits using the method of ASUDAS (Arizona State University Dental Anthropology System). Applied the mean measurement ofdivergence MMD in comparisons between pairs of samples of the Late and Formative periods. The principal coordinates analysis showed two groups. Sonso Late society exposes significant differences with regard to Ilama. The Ilama origin is explained as a result of migrations from the northwest of the country during the Early Formative period (6000 - 4000 BP), while the Sonsoide origin comes from the south of the country during Late Formative times (2000 - 1500 AP)."

Background: Cementum formed as continuous process throughout life consists of alternate light and dark bands known as incremental lines of Salter. Using different types of microscopy in forensic odontology, the number of these incremental lines is used to estimate the age of an individual. Aim and Objectives: To examine the correlation between age and tooth cemental annulations using light and polarizing microscopy with Adobe Photoshop Software 7 Version and to compare both the methods to ascertain the most reliable method of studying cementum. Materials and Method: A cross sectional descriptive, double blind study was conducted during the period of March 2016 to March 2017. 60 extracted monoradicular teeth from individuals in the age group of 20-80 years (Females=42, Males =18) were randomly collected and longitudinal ground sections of the teeth were prepared, mounted and examined under light and polarizing microscope. Digital images were captured, magnified & cemental lines were counted using the Adobe Photoshop 7 Version by two anonymous oral pathologists who had no idea of the research study. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 10 version. Results: There was a strong positive correlation between the estimated age and calculated age when light microscopy was used (r=0.725, p =0.00). The correlation was less with polarizing microscopy (r=0.697,p=0.00) and the cemental annulations were better appreciated and easily counted using the Adobe Photoshop Software 7 Version. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that Adobe Photoshop Software 7 Version provides better visibility of counting the cemental lines and therefore can estimate accurate age of an individual in forensic Odontology.