ABSTRACT Particularly in cases of mass disasters, criminal investigations, and when a person is burned, decomposed, or mutilated, dental forensics is essential to human identification. As imaging technologies have advanced, radiology has become a vital tool in forensic odontology, providing precise, repeatable, and noninvasive diagnostic information. With a focus on its uses, benefits, and integration with forensic procedures, the present study examines the growing field of radiography in dental forensics. The foundation of postmortem dental identification has historically been traditional radiographs, such as bitewing, panoramic, and periapical views, which enable comparison with antemortem information. However, new imaging technologies like digital radiography, three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction, and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) have greatly improved forensic capabilities. In particular, CBCT offers comprehensive anatomical visualization of the dental and craniofacial structures, which helps with trauma analysis, age estimation, sex determination, and identification based on distinctive dental characteristics. In addition to enhancing image quality and storage, digital imaging makes it easier to integrate with forensic databases and transmit data quickly. Furthermore, the study of bite marks, the identification of dental restorations, and the evaluation of cranial traumas all benefit greatly from radiological approaches. Comparative radiography and radiographic superimposition have also demonstrated high victim identification success rates.
Sharma et al. (Tue,) studied this question.