The estimation of the skeletonized bone and teeth: A case report of a victim of 5.18 Kwang Ju democratic movement.

Korean J Leg Med. 1999 Oct;23(2):62-68. Korean.

Department of oral medicine, dental college, Korea.

Department of forensic medicine, college of medicine, Yonsei University, Korea.

We report here estimating a victim who might be involved 5.18 Kwang Ju democratic movement in 1980. One skeletonized skull and mandible were sent for examination to see if any information could be elicited which might aid in search for the missing person. The examination was made on the usual lines, first to ascertain the sex, age, etc., then any particular features which might lead to identification, the circumstances of death and the length of time since the death took place. From the examination of the specimen it could reasonably be assumed (1) that the fracture of teeth and alveolar bone due to trauma which was speedily and strong (2) that the skull and mandible were belong to one person, (3) that the specimen was an adult man about 42 years old, (4) that he was dead before 6 years ago as a result of racemization. This paper indicates that forensic odontology examination have another valuable means of identification, i.e. dental age estimation, time interval since death, analysis of trauma in oral and facial region. This information can help in attempting to establish not only the personal identification but also the circumstances of death.

Key words: skull and mandible, teeth, sex and age, trauma analysis, time interval since death