Dental data can provide vital information for a timely, cost-effective, and efficient human identification process. In disaster victim identification, the involvement of odontologists is crucial, as failure to incorporate their expertise can lead to delayed identification and a reduced likelihood of uncovering additional findings. Delayed identification can have a number of negative consequences. For families and loved ones of the deceased, it can prolong the grieving process and create uncertainty about the fate of their loved ones. It can also have practical implications, as it can hinder the investigation of the disaster and the recovery of remains. Partial and full dentures discovered alongside human remains can yield valuable information about palatal rugae and an individual’s dental history, including the materials used, dietary and socio-cultural factors, and even offer insight into the number of individuals involved when jaws are fragmented or disarticulated. An individual wearing one or two full dentures is likely to be fully edentulous in either the upper, lower, or both jaws, making this information important for family members living together. During interviews to collect antemortem dental data, it is essential to ask specifically about any dental prosthetics or orthotics worn or used by the missing person. It is crucial to place greater emphasis on recording and archiving patients’ oral health data, including detailed material specifications of both fixed and removable prosthetics.

Partial and full dentures in the human identification process

Emilio Nuzzolese
2023-01-01

Abstract

Dental data can provide vital information for a timely, cost-effective, and efficient human identification process. In disaster victim identification, the involvement of odontologists is crucial, as failure to incorporate their expertise can lead to delayed identification and a reduced likelihood of uncovering additional findings. Delayed identification can have a number of negative consequences. For families and loved ones of the deceased, it can prolong the grieving process and create uncertainty about the fate of their loved ones. It can also have practical implications, as it can hinder the investigation of the disaster and the recovery of remains. Partial and full dentures discovered alongside human remains can yield valuable information about palatal rugae and an individual’s dental history, including the materials used, dietary and socio-cultural factors, and even offer insight into the number of individuals involved when jaws are fragmented or disarticulated. An individual wearing one or two full dentures is likely to be fully edentulous in either the upper, lower, or both jaws, making this information important for family members living together. During interviews to collect antemortem dental data, it is essential to ask specifically about any dental prosthetics or orthotics worn or used by the missing person. It is crucial to place greater emphasis on recording and archiving patients’ oral health data, including detailed material specifications of both fixed and removable prosthetics.
2023
143
3
44
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https://www.minervamedica.it/it/riviste/minerva-forensic-medicine/articolo.php?cod=R11Y2023N02A0044
Dentures; Denture identification marking; Forensic dentistry
Emilio Nuzzolese
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/2318/1924973
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