Facial reconstruction

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http://www.vifm.org/forensics/medico-legal-death-investigation/centre-for-human-identification/forensic-odontology2/

http://www.academia.edu/165520/Essential_Guidelines_for_forensic_dentistry_

What is odontology?

Odontology represents a science that studies human teeth and their surrounding tissues with the objective focused upon preventing diseases or curing diseases. In reference to forensic science, forensic odontologists represent the elite of odontology as these dentists are specially trained in their science with extensive experience that is used to assist in the identification of unknown remains, trace bite marks, and other areas of forensic science associated with teeth such as facial reconstruction. Forensic odontology is used when other means of identification have been unsuccessful in identifying human remains, and this science has been instrumental in assisting in the investigations of mass fatalities such as plane crashes and natural disasters.

The duties of a forensic odontologist entail being capable of assisting in autopsies by conducting cranial measurements, obtaining dental impressions and x-rays from the remains of the deceased, and taking photographs. In the case of missing people or unknown remains, the forensic odontologist attempts to match these samples so that remains can be identified. Bite marks on a body can also be matched to a suspect wherein the forensic odontologist attempts to use the dental impressions to match with the bites from the crime victim. A forensic odontologist has to remain prepared to provide expert testimony on their scientific approach by keeping detailed reports about their examinations and conclusions to explain the process while also justifying their assessment in court to a judge or jury.

Forensic odontology is primarily a science focused upon bite mark evidence but can also assist in identifying human remains, medico-legal assessment of trauma to oral tissues, and testimony about dental malpractice.

How is this process used in facial reconstruction?

The use of odontology in facial reconstruction is placated upon attempting to sculpting facial features over the cranium, mandible and associated dentitions. Facial reconstruction operates under the theoretical framework that facial features are determined by ...