3D Imaging in Forensic Odontology: A Review

Abstract

Forensic odontology integrates dentistry and law to aid in human identification, age estimation, bite mark analysis, and disaster victim identification. The advent of three-dimensional (3D) imaging technologies, including Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), Micro-CT, Multislice CT (MSCT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), 3D surface scanning, and 3D printing, has revolutionized the field by providing high-resolution, volumetric, and interactive visualization of dental and craniofacial structures. These modalities enable precise morphological analyses, accurate antemortem-postmortem comparisons, trauma assessment, and facial reconstruction, while enhancing reproducibility, courtroom admissibility, and non-invasive evidence preservation. Despite challenges such as cost, radiation exposure, and the need for standardized protocols, 3D imaging significantly improves the accuracy, reliability, and legal robustness of forensic investigations. Future directions include integration with artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality simulations, expanded use in Disaster Victim Identification (DVI), and the development of global forensic 3D databases, further advancing precision, efficiency, and applicability in complex forensic scenarios.

Introduction

Forensic odontology is the intersection of dentistry and law, focusing on dental evidence for identification, age estimation, bite mark analysis, trauma assessment, and disaster victim identification (DVI). Traditionally reliant on 2D radiographs (IOPA, OPG), forensic investigations faced limitations such as distortion and incomplete anatomical representation. The advent of 3D imaging technologies—including CBCT, micro-CT, MSCT, MRI, 3D surface scanning, stereophotogrammetry, and 3D printing—has transformed the field by enabling precise, volumetric, and interactive visualization of dental and craniofacial structures.

• CBCT provides high-resolution, low-radiation 3D imaging for postmortem identification, age estimation, bite mark analysis, and trauma evaluation.

• Micro-CT allows microstructural analysis of teeth for age estimation and individual identification, while MSCT offers whole-body volumetric imaging, aiding DVI and virtual autopsies.

• MRI enhances soft tissue visualization, crucial for pulp vitality assessment, trauma detection, and forensic documentation.

• 3D surface scanning and stereophotogrammetry enable accurate facial reconstruction, bite mark analysis, and precise antemortem-postmortem comparisons.

• 3D printing converts digital datasets into tangible models for courtroom presentation, craniofacial reconstruction, and bite mark replication.

Applications include human identification, age and sex determination, bite mark evaluation, trauma analysis, DVI, and facial reconstruction. Advantages of 3D imaging include high precision, non-invasive evidence preservation, reproducibility, interactive visualization, and improved courtroom communication. Limitations involve high cost, limited accessibility, radiation concerns, lack of standardized protocols, and legal/ethical considerations.

Conclusion

The future of 3D imaging in forensic odontology is poised to be transformed by the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, which can automate analysis, improve pattern recognition, and enhance the speed and accuracy of identification, age estimation, and bite mark comparisons. Virtual and augmented reality technologies offer new avenues for immersive forensic case simulations, allowing investigators, students, and legal professionals to interact with digital reconstructions in a realistic, controlled environment. The broader application of 3D imaging in Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) protocols can streamline postmortem examinations, reduce handling of fragile remains, and accelerate the reconciliation of antemortem and postmortem data. Additionally, the development of global forensic 3D imaging databases would facilitate standardized data sharing, cross-institutional collaboration, and the creation of reference models to support research, training, and legal investigations. Together, these innovations promise to enhance precision, reproducibility, and the legal robustness of forensic odontology while expanding its applicability in complex and large-scale investigative scenarios.

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Dr. Vijila K V, Dr. Priya Ramani, Sri Vikram R, Shrinithi MR, Subhiksha D. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.