Comparison of the anatomy and adaptability of reconstructed teeth with natural teeth: An innovative approach in forensic dentistry

Abstract

Background: Forensic tooth reconstruction is the technique of reconstructing the morphology of a missing tooth from the intra-alveolar morphology of dental sockets from skeletal remains. Aims and Objectives: The aim and objective of the study are to compare and investigate whether the anatomy and adaptability of reconstructed teeth simulate with the natural tooth and to investigate whether the dental materials have potential in reconstruction of teeth. Materials and Methods: An in vitro experimental study was undertaken on a human mandible. According to the Fédération Dentaire Internationale, charting will be done based on the number of teeth present. The entire study will be conducted in three phases using dental materials. Phase 1 comprised preparation for negative replica, where an impression will be taken, Phase 2 comprised preparation of a positive replica or cast, and Phase 3 comprised tooth reconstruction using the flowable composite. Results: The specimen tooth (which had been taken from its socket) and the newly constructed tooth were compared, and when the length of the newly constructed root was measured using digital vernier calipers, there was a disparity of 0.5–1 mm. The cone-beam computed tomography radiographs demonstrated the necessary flexibility. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that dental information can be obtained even when teeth are absent postmortem by making an attempt to recreate the teeth using dental materials while documenting the intra-alveolar anatomy of the dental root socket.

Keywords

• adaptability
• anatomy
• reconstruction
• teeth