Author(s):
1. Josipa Karij Trivunović, Univerzitet u Banjoj Luci, Medicinski fakultet, studijski program Dentalna medicina, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
2. Vladan Mirjanić, Medicinski fakultet Banja Luka , Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract:
Forensic dentistry is a field that applies dental knowledge to the identification of individuals and the resolution of legal and criminal cases. It is most often used when other identification methods are not possible, especially in cases of natural disasters, fires, or severe accidents. Teeth are extremely resistant to high temperatures and decomposition, and often remain the only recognizable part of the body. Key areas of forensic dentistry include: • Victim identification, by comparing dental records (X-rays, fillings, bridges, orthodontic appliances) with the dental condition of the discovered person. • Bite mark analysis, which can help link a suspect to the crime scene based on tooth marks found on skin or objects. • Age and sex estimation, where the development and wear of teeth, as well as jaw dimensions, can be used to approximate the person's age and sex. • Injury assessment, particularly in the head and neck region, to determine the cause and mechanism of injury. Techniques used in forensic dentistry include intraoral and panoramic X-rays, dental impressions and models, digital bite mark analysis, and DNA analysis from the dental pulp (when available). Thanks to these methods, forensic dentistry is a valuable tool for police, courts, and investigative teams—especially when other identification techniques are unavailable or unreliable. Forensic dentistry is considered one of the most reliable and cost-effective scientific methods for identifying victims of major disasters. Dental identification is based on the fact that no two oral cavities are the same, and each person’s teeth are unique. The post-mortem dental findings of a deceased person are compared with the antemortem dental documentation of a missing person to achieve a positive identification.

Key words:
forensic dentistry,human victim identification,dental records

Thematic field:
SYMPOSIUM B - Biomaterials and nanomedicine

Date of abstract submission:
02.07.2025.

Conference:
Contemporary Materials 2025 - Savremeni Materijali

Abstract