Burned beyond recognition: systematic approach to the dental identification of charred human remains
Delattre, VF
Forensic Dental Consultant, Harris County Medical Examiner's Office,and also Assistant Professor, Department of General Dentistry, University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston, Houston, TX 77030.


Abstract
Forensic dental evaluation methods for use in a systematic approach to the dental identification of charred human remains are described. A systematic, conservative approach prevents the loss of valuable dental information before a thorough picture of the individual's dental remains has been adequately documented. The presenting conditions of fire victims are explained and illustrated with photographs, and a series of illustrations and text describe the damage seen in the dentition of the fire victim. A systematic four-stage process for gaining access to the intraoral structures of charred human remains is outlined and illustrated. Utilizing methods of access to the oral structures that maintain the integrity of the dentition through each stage of the evaluation of charred remains will prevent the loss of potential dental information before a thorough dental charting, intra-oral photographs, and radiographs can be obtained.

Keywords:
burn injury, dermal burn, forensic dental records, forensic dentistry, forensic odontology, forensic science, human identification, odontological identification

Paper ID: JFS45314

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Author Wang, X Affiliation Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Author Yu, X Affiliation Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Author Delattre VF Title Burned beyond recognition: systematic approach to the dental identification of charred human remains Symposium , Committee on