Year : 2026

Volume : Volume 17

Issue : Issue 4

Address for correspondence :
Dr. Manoj Tiwari
drmanojthri@gmail.com

Abstract

Background: Forensic odontology plays a vital role in human identification, particularly in medicolegal cases involving decomposed, burned, or unidentified remains. Various dental identification methods are available; however, their comparative effectiveness requires evaluation.

Aim: To compare the effectiveness of different dental identification methods in medicolegal cases and determine the factors associated with successful human identification.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective comparative observational study was conducted on 150 medicolegal cases with available antemortem and postmortem dental records. Dental radiographic comparison, clinical dental records, restorations and prosthetic appliances, root canal treatment records, and dental anomalies were evaluated. Data were analysed using SPSS version 26.0. The Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were performed, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results: Dental radiographic comparison showed the highest identification success (93.3%), followed by clinical dental records (88.0%) and restorations/prosthetic appliances (84.0%). Significant differences were observed among the identification methods (p=0.002). Complete antemortem dental records and availability of dental radiographs were significantly associated with successful identification (p<0.001). Restorations and root canal-treated teeth also contributed significantly, whereas dental anomalies showed no significant association.

Conclusion: Dental radiographic comparison is the most effective method for forensic human identification. Comprehensive antemortem dental records, including radiographs and treatment documentation, significantly enhance identification accuracy. A multimodal approach combining different dental identification methods provides the highest reliability in medicolegal investigations.