Comparison of CT dental reconstruction techniques for use in identification of the deceased

Post-mortem CT data files can be used to create curved multi-planar dental reconstructions for use in the identification of the deceased. 21 decedents were scanned using a Siemens Somatom Definition Flash CT scanner on admission to VIFM. This data was reconstructed into four differing dental CMPRS on both the CT Console workstation and the Syngo.Via workstation. Cases selected met the following criteria: requiring scientific identification and adult dentition present. The four reconstruction techniques on two post processing platforms were then compared and graded by a forensic odonatologist. For both maxilla and mandible data sets the CT Console 2.5/2.5 faired poorer than all the other reconstructions included in this study. Statistically speaking all the other reconstruction techniques were of equivalent value. The reconstruction that was graded as best for AM: PM comparison most frequently was 20mm/5mm for both jaws. The SyngoVia® software's capacity to correct for head rotation and tilt can virtually align the image to a more symmetrical position. Used in combination with the thicker reconstruction slices of 20mm combined with finer slice interval of 5mm offers the image appearance similar to that of a true AM OPG projection and can enhance the features useful for dental identification comparison techniques. The 20mm slice thickness/5mm slice interval reconstruction method (processed on the SyngoVia® platform) provides the most useful image for AM to PM dental comparisons.