title: Enamel hypoplasia and its role in identification of individuals: A review of literature.
abstract: Identification of individuals is the mainstay of any forensic investigation especially in cases of mass disasters when mutilated remains are brought for examination. Dental examination helps in establishing the identity of an individual and thus, has played a vital role in forensic investigation process since long. In this regard, description on the role of enamel hypoplasia is limited in the literature. The present article reviews the literature on the enamel hypoplasia and discusses its utility in forensic identification. Enamel hypoplasia is a surface defect of the tooth crown caused by disturbance of enamel matrix secretion. Enamel defects can be congenital or acquired. In cases of mass disasters, or when the body is completely charred, putrefied and mutilated beyond recognition, the unique dental features can help in identification of the victims.
authors.affiliation: Department of Forensic Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Mangalore, India.
authors.forename: Tanuj
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kanchan
authors.affiliation: Department of Forensic Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Mangalore, India.
authors.forename: Meghna
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Machado
authors.affiliation: Department of Pedodontics, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal University, Mangalore, India.
authors.forename: Ashwin
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rao
authors.affiliation: Department of Anthropology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India.
authors.forename: Kewal
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Krishan
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthodontics, Dr. Harvansh Singh Judge Institute of Dental Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India.
authors.forename: Arun K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Garg
keywords: Enamel hypoplasia; forensic odontology; mass disasters