Forensic Odontology and Rapid Prototyping: Adding 3rd Dimension for Investigation

Abstract

Forensic odontology has evolved in multiple aspects ranging from anthropology, personal identification, crime scene investigations, mass disaster evaluation etc. Radiographs and photographs are helpful in various studies/investigations related to forensic Dental Science. Forensic Odontologist's report has been accepted in court of law to solve many medicolegal cases. Forensic radiology is particularly important in skeletal survey, antemortem and post-mortem imaging. In recent times Rapid Prototyping (3D Printing) has taken over the previous digital techniques in various fields of Medicine and Dentistry. In Forensic Odontology, 3D printing can become one of the important tools in investigation and also can overcome various shortcomings of many pervious imaging techniques.