Age determination and the importance of teeth in forensic odontology: A retrospective review

Abstract

Because of illegal immigrations, particularly after the so called Arab spring and the growing incidence of natural and man-made disasters which regrettably was very common in the last three to four decades, age determination has gained increasing importance in legal medicine. Forensic odontology is a branch of dentistry which deals with the proper handling and examination of dental evidence and the proper evaluation and presentation of dental findings in the interest of justice. There are various methods are used in Dentistry as an Evidence in Forensic Identification. Dental maturity, have a very imperative position in the assessment of age in children and adolescents forensic examinations. As time passes, with the increase in human greed and aspirations to conquer more and more nations in the false name of ‘removal of the dictators’ and the ‘forceful imposition of imported western democracy’ that has produced devastating results in the middle east and ultimately resulting in illegal mass immigration occurring towards Europe, eventually resulting in increase of crime and other legal and illegal activities, Forensic odontology as a branch in dentistry will continue to play its important role in legal medicine.