STUDY OF HUMAN IDENTIFICATION THROUGH DENTAL IMAGING: A LITERATURE

Abstract

Forensic dentistry plays a crucial role in identifying bodies that are visually unrecognizable, collaborating with other areas, such as medicine. This specialty uses several methods, such as comparing dental data, examining teeth found and observing procedures performed, in addition to the use of dental images. These methods allow for accurate and reliable identification.  The methodology uses a systematic review of 10 relevant publications, excluding those that did not directly address the topic or had little relevance, using databases such as Scielo, PubMed and VHL with the help of keywords. The results highlight the importance of dental images such as panoramic scans, computed tomography scans, and especially intraoral periapical radiographs, in the criminal, judicial and social forensic investigation process conducted by Forensic Doctors and Odontologists. Dentists face challenges that can be minimized with up-to-date dental records. Collaboration between dentists, police experts and doctors is essential for accurate identification through the combination of quick, effective and clear techniques to resolve these cases, due to the collection, examination and comparison of data carried out by police officers or investigators before and after the death of an individual. This multidisciplinary approach improves efficiency and accuracy in the identification process.