Journal de recherche médico-légale

In addition to their important functions in mastication and esthetics, the teeth may also be used as a weapon and under certain circumstances, may leave information as to the identity of the biter. The individuality of the human dentition frequently allows the Forensic Odontologist to reach a strong opinion of association in cases of identification and bite mark analysis. Such analysis can often be useful during the investigation of violent crimes, especially those involving sexual assault. The high number of murder, rape, and child abuse cases has led to increased numbers of forensic cases being heard in courts. Analysis of the bite mark is the second major responsibility of the forensic dentist.

Till date, the identity of decomposed corpse is a challenging task in all Forensic Laboratories.DNA typing is the primary technique for personal identification. Using ante-mortem and post-mortem DNA profiles in personal identification is impossible in South Indian population due to non-availability of DNA profile for the existing population. Personal identity of the deceased becomes critical in instances like the absence of parents and children for DNA profile comparison. Skull-photograph superimposition is another technique for personal identification in Forensic Science Laboratories. One-third of the cases received for identification through DNA profiles failed with some technical inabilities. Though superimposition technique is easily available and most pioneering, only  a probable opinion could be arrived from it. But the court of law accepts only the conclusive identity, the DNA profiles give. When ante-mortem dental records or radiographs are received for superimposition, the conclusive identity will be achieved.
In this case of personal identity of a skull, DNA profiles for comparison could not be obtained as the deceased had no parents and children, the skull-photograph superimposition offered only a probable opinion, but the superimposition of the photographs of ante-mortem and post-mortem radiographs of the surgical implant (stainless steel orthopedic fixation device) of the suspected deceased rendered conclusive identity.