SEM Analysis of Incinerated Teeth as an Aid to Positive Identification

Abstract

Tooth crown and root fragments from a crime scene in which the remains were purposefully cremated, crushed and scattered were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) in order to aid the identification process. The SEM was used to confirm the presence of parallel striations in tooth enamel and dentine as a means of determining past dental restoration. In the case presented, incinerated tooth fragments of determined type and position were subjected to SEM analysis, and ascertained to have had previous dental work that matched antemortem dental records of a missing person.