TEETH AS A SOURCE OF DNA FOR HUMAN IDENTIFICATION IN FORENSIC DENTISTRY
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Objective: Teeth represent one of the most reliable and resilient sources of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA in forensic investigations, particularly when human remains are severely degraded due to extended post-mortem intervals or extreme environmental exposure. This review examines the morphological features of dental tissues—enamel, dentin, pulp, and cementum—and evaluates their efficacy and DNA distribution patterns for human identification. Methods: Furthermore, this paper highlights crucial challenges in the extraction process, focusing on the impact of post-mortem degradation, dental diseases, and the presence of various PCR inhibitors such as calcium ions and complex organic substances. To provide practical context, real-world statistical data from the Medico-Legal Directorate (MLD) in Iraq is integrated, demonstrating the vital role of dental samples in national identification cases. Results: The pulp remains the richest source of cellular DNA, whereas dentin and cementum provide superior long-term preservation of mitochondrial DNA due to their protective mineralized matrices. Novelty: Ultimately, this comprehensive review emphasizes the need for developing standardized, targeted dental sampling protocols to maximize forensic DNA retrieval efficiency.
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