Decoding Dental Archives: Analytical Chemistry as a Transformative Tool in Forensic Odontology
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53555/w1kj0g56Keywords:
Forensic odontology, Analytical chemistry, Dental biomarkers, Mass spectrometry, Spectroscopy, Chemometrics, Human identification, Dental age estimation, Forensic toxicologyAbstract
Forensic odontology has traditionally relied on the structural resilience and individuality of dental tissues for human identification. However, conventional methods based on morphological and radiographic assessment are often limited by subjectivity and dependence on antemortem records. In recent years, analytical chemistry has emerged as a transformative tool, enabling objective, sensitive, and reproducible evaluation of dental evidence.
Teeth serve as durable biological archives, preserving molecular, structural, and elemental information even under extreme environmental conditions. Advanced analytical techniques, including spectroscopic methods, chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, and molecular profiling, have significantly expanded the forensic applications of dental tissues. These approaches support human identification, age estimation through biochemical markers, sex determination using genetic indicators, and detection of drugs, toxins, and trace elements.
Emerging developments such as chemometric analysis, multi-omics integration, and non-destructive methodologies are further enhancing analytical precision and interpretative capability. Nevertheless, challenges including lack of standardization, potential contamination, high instrumentation costs, and issues related to legal admissibility remain.
The integration of analytical chemistry into forensic odontology represents a paradigm shift toward more accurate, reliable, and scientifically robust forensic practice. This review analyses current methodologies, applications, and future directions, highlighting the growing importance of interdisciplinary approaches in advancing forensic dentistry.
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