An Examination of Dental Prostheses as Tools for Individual Identification
Keywords:
Denture Identification, Surface Marking Methods, Inclusion Techniques, and Palatal Rugae PatternAbstract
Dentistry offers significant support to law enforcement in the detection and resolution of crimes, as well as in clinical proceedings. Prosthodontics, as a specialised branch, can play a crucial role in identifying individuals. Dental prostheses can serve as valuable tools in identifying individuals who have lost their memory, are in unconscious states, or in recognising the bodies of those who have died in accidents, disasters, or natural calamities. Forensic odontology plays a vital role in identifying individuals in cases involving criminal investigations, mass disasters, or unrecognisable remains. Among the various tools available to forensic experts, dental prostheses have emerged as significant identifiers. Prosthodontics, a specialized branch of dentistry, provides unique markers through customized prosthetic devices such as dentures, bridges, and implants. These dental appliances, when appropriately marked or labeled, can offer critical information regarding a person's identity, especially in cases of memory loss, unconsciousness, or fatalities in accidents and natural calamities. This review aims to explore the forensic relevance of dental prostheses, their identification potential, and the methods used for labelling and recording them. Dental prostheses, such as dentures, crowns, bridges, and implants, are not only functional replacements for missing oral structures but can also serve as valuable forensic tools. In forensic dentistry, these prosthetic devices can carry unique identifiers such as serial numbers, embedded barcodes, or customised inscriptions, aiding in the identification of unknown individuals, especially in cases involving trauma, memory loss, unconsciousness, or mass disasters. This paper examines the role of dental prostheses in individual identification and discusses various methods used to mark and record these devices for forensic and clinical purposes. Dentistry offers significant support to law enforcement in the detection and resolution of crimes, as well as in clinical proceedings. Prosthodontics, as a specialised branch, can play a crucial role in the identification of individuals. Dental prostheses can serve as valuable tools in identifying individuals who have lost their memory, are in unconscious states, or in recognising the bodies of those who have died in accidents, disasters, or natural calamities.
Downloads
References
Bali SK, Naqash TA. Denture identification methods: A review. J Adv Med Dent Sci Res. 2013;3(4):100–4.
Berry FA, Logan GI, Plata R, Riegel R. A post-fabrication technique for identification of prosthetic devices. J Prosthet Dent. 1995;73(4):341–3.
Ohtani M, Nishida N. Identification and limitations of using palatal rugae for personal identification in edentulous cases. Forensic Sci Int. 2007;176:178–82.
Wilson HJ, Mansfield MA, Heath JR, Spence D. Dental technology and materials for students. 8th ed. London: Blackwell Scientific Publications; 1987. p. 397–401.
Matsumura H, Shimoe S. Incorporation of a cast, embossed identification plate into a partial denture framework. J Prosthet Dent. 2002;88(2):215–7.
Dimashkieh MR, Alshammery AR. Engraved fixed restorations to facilitate identification in forensic dentistry. J Prosthet Dent. 1993;69(5):533–5.
Takahashi F, Koji T, Morita O. A new method for denture identification. Dent Mater J. 2008;27(2):278–83.
Reeson MG. A simple and inexpensive inclusion technique for denture identification. J Prosthet Dent. 2001;86(4):441–2.
Ling BC. Computer-printer denture microlabeling system. J Prosthet Dent. 1998;79(4):363–4.
Aguloglu S, Zortuk M, Beydemir B. Denture barcoding: a new horizon. Br Dent J. 2009;206(11):589–90.
Rajendran V, Karthigeyan S. Denture marker using a two-dimensional bar code. J Prosthet Dent. 2012;107(3):207–8.
Thomas CJ. The role of the denture in identification: A review. J Forensic Odontostomatol. 1984;2:13–6.
Richmond R, Pretty IA. Contemporary methods of labelling dental prosthesis: A review. J Forensic Sci. 2006;51(5):1120–6.
Madrid C, Korsvold T. Radio frequency identification (RFID) of dentures in long-term care facilities. J Prosthet Dent. 2012;107(3):199–202.
Anehosur GV, Acharya AB, Nadiger RK. Usefulness of patient photograph as a marker for identifying denture wearers in India. Gerodontology. 2010;27(4):272–7.
Caldas IM, Magalhães T. Establishing identity using cheiloscopy and palatoscopy. Forensic Sci Int. 2007;165(1):1–9.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
You are free to:
- Share — copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format
- Adapt — remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially.
Terms:
- Attribution — You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use.
- No additional restrictions — You may not apply legal terms or technological measures that legally restrict others from doing anything the license permits.
