If dental records are unavailable, what alternative is commonly used to support identification?

• A. Eyewitness testimony
• B. Astrology
• C. Weather data
• D. Ante-mortem radiographs or CT scans for biometric matching; DNA from non-dental tissues if available

Answer: (D)

When dental records are unavailable, investigators rely on two well-supported paths: antemortem dental imaging for biometric matching and genetic identification from non-dental tissues. Antemortem radiographs or CT scans capture unique dental features—tooth arrangement, root morphology, and the pattern of restorations like fillings, crowns, and implants—that can be directly compared to the postmortem dentition. This imaging creates a distinctive signature that, with careful analysis, can link remains to the same individual even without existing dental records.

If imaging is lacking or to bolster the match, DNA from non-dental tissues such as bone, hair roots, or other preserved tissues can provide a highly discriminating identifier. DNA analysis can identify individuals with high probability, though it depends on sample preservation and proper handling.

Other ideas like eyewitness testimony or astrology aren’t used for positive forensic identification, which is why these objective imaging and genetic methods are emphasized.