Muhammad Salman Khan1, Narender
Kumar 2
1 Department of Oral Biology, Division of
Forensic Odontology, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta
10430, Indonesia
2 Department of Electrical Engineering,
Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia
Corresponding Author email: Muhammad Salman Khan1 drsalmankhan687@gmail.com
Received: 17-12-2024, Accepted: 29-12-2024, Published
online: 20-01-2025
Abstract
Nowadays, most
forensic odonatological analyses destined for legal purposes include
improvements in 3D scanning technologies with the aim of enhancing the
precision of forensic identifications. The current paper addresses the
combination of 3D picture scan data and artificial intelligence: it reviews
uses, limitations, and prospects of AI in its application to forensic
odontology. Where earlier methods were limited, 3-D scanning techniques allow
the creation of much more realistic models of dental structure, enabling closer
comparisons with dental records and other information. These technologies, when
combined with artificial intelligence, can even automate such processes as
pattern recognition, further speeding up the reliability of dental
identification in forensic cases. Not all is perfect with the technology. Further,
defects in the models generated may well be caused by external reasons such as
lighting, movement during scanning, and equipment limitations. Besides this, 3D
photo’s scanning using AI effectively requires highly knowledgeable people in
advanced hardware and software technologies. As a matter of fact, the intricacy
at which AI algorithms are designed demands an in-depth knowledge of their
implementation to effectively apply them in forensic activities. Apart from
this, constant system calibration and the care in handling scanning equipment
are also needed to ensure accuracy and reliability. If these tools work
effectively, AI coupled with 3D photo scanning can do much to increase the
accuracy, efficiency, and rapidity of forensic odontology, particularly
identification cases. The growing corpus of research findings and breakthroughs
in technology, despite such challenges, portend a bright future for the
application of AI and 3D scanning in the field of forensic odontology, opening
the door for improved forensic techniques and methodologies of identification.
This review discusses such breakthroughs, obstacles, and the potentiality for
wide application of these technologies in the near future.
Keywords: Forensic
odontology, 2D images ,3D images, AI, dental Investigation.
Graphical Abstract
Introduction
Over time, dental procedures for forensic human identification have
consistently proven to be highly useful and reliable. If precise and
comprehensive dental data obtained before death are accessible, which are
necessary for a definitive identification, this can be accomplished. In field
of forensic odontology, many specific dental data coding systems have been
created for the purpose of utilising them in reports and computer-assisted
identifications
Radiographs of the dentition are vital components of dental records
and play a pivotal role in the process of ascertaining an individual's
identity. Several research suggestions have been put forward in the past two
decades for the development of semi-automatic
To overcome the inherent constraints of 2D-based approaches, it is
crucial to develop a functional and efficient automated 3D dental
identification system that would improve the identification process. The
utilisation of three-dimensional (3D) imaging in the field of dentistry has
experienced a substantial surge in recent years. This is leading to the
transformation of clinical practises and laboratory procedures into digital
workflows
Literature review
The emerging role of 3D printing in forensic
odontology, a technology that transforms digital models into physical objects.
It identifies key applications, including bite mark analysis, dental age
estimation, gender identification, facial reconstruction through 3D computed
tomography, and physical modeling. While the paper provides useful insights
into the benefits of 3D printing, it stresses the importance of further
research to evaluate its precision, consistency, and to develop standardized
protocols for its application in forensic odontology
By merging 3D scan data with photogrammetry software,
this method facilitates the precise alignment of AM (ante-mortem) and PM
(post-mortem) images, enhancing forensic identification accuracy. The study
analyzes a range of 3D imaging tools, highlighting their advantages and
drawbacks. A noteworthy development, the Combined Holding and Aiming Device
(CHAD), was created with 3D printing to address alignment issues in forensic
dental imaging. This device, along with the Modified External Aiming Device
(MEAD), was assessed in comparison to other devices, specifically for error
rates in radiographic exposure of PM intraoral periapical images. Both CHAD and
MEAD achieved low positioning errors without exposing participants to ionizing
radiation. Nonetheless, the study acknowledges that more extensive validation
is needed due to its small sample size, suggesting that innovations like CHAD
could significantly improve the accuracy of AM-PM image alignment and victim
identification.
Forensic facial reconstruction (FFR) plays a critical
role in identifying unknown remains by reconstructing facial features from
skull structures, aiding in potential identification. Technological advances,
particularly in open-source software, have made FFR more affordable and
accessible. This study outlines a protocol using tools like PPT GUI for 3D
scanning, MeshLab for point cloud processing, and Blender for creating facial
models and textures, all of which depend solely on digital cameras. The procedure
supports both forensic and research contexts, making it versatile
Digital radiography and photographs of pulverised tooth fragments
were both included in the activities that assessed one's capacity to estimate
another person's age. In addition, computerised measurement instruments and
tables categorised by age groups were used.
PM results were matched to the AM data using the Interpol standard, and
thereafter an analysis was conducted. This comparison and reconciliation were
all part of the process of identifying the body. Some of the contributions that
can be made because of this study are as follows:
1. The supply of digital educational resources in "forensic
odontology", including "dental identification" following
numerous deaths and dental age estimate across various age cohorts.
2. Demonstrating the use of electronic patient records, which
include "intraoral scans" of the teeth, "digital
radiographs", pictures, and written records of dental treatment.
3. Implementing a hybrid instructional method that can be carried
out in its entirety online.
4. Making available an efficient resource that can encourage and
engage students in the activity of expanding their interest and knowledge of
the topic at hand
.5. Utilising the newly available opportunities presented by digitalization
and intraoral scanning in the field of forensic odontology
Table 01: Comparison of Traditional vs. 3D Photo Scan Methods in
Forensic Odontology
|
|
|
|||
|
Accuracy |
Moderate (dependent on plaster casts, etc.) |
High precision (down to millimeters) |
|||
|
Data Storage |
Physical models and 2D records |
Digital, easy to store and share |
|||
|
Reproducibility |
Limited |
Highly reduceable |
|||
|
Cost |
Lower |
Higher initial investment |
|||
|
Time efficiency |
Slower, manual comparisons |
Faster, automated with AI integration |
|||
|
Non-invasiveness |
Invasive (plaster models, X-rays) |
Non-invasive, digital scan |
|||
|
Portability |
Non-Portable |
Digital format, easily transferable |
Table 01 Depicts the comparison of traditional vs. 3D photo scan
methods in forensic Odontology
The report indicates several technological challenges that relate
to the application of 3D-scanning technologies, one of which is the
multi-camera device "Botscan," for the documentation of injury in
forensic investigations. Among the most relevant challenges, the price of the
complicated Photobox system-which features 70 cameras and several light
panels-is out of reach of most forensic departments. Further, the stationary
nature of the device means it is limited to subjects who can physically reach
the scanning area; thus, eliminating seriously injured individuals. The
usefulness of the device relies on appropriate illumination and subject
posture, which is vulnerable to impairment should the former conditions be bad.
It is also in posture and clothing that the scan can be interfered with since
the latter masks the injuries, and essential postures are not feasible
practically for a lot of people. Lastly, although 3D models have visual
representations, they cannot replace tests done physically which would distinguish
between kinds of damage; hence, 3D documentation is a priceless tool but by no
means a flawless alternative for traditional forensic procedures. These
limitations underpin the need for further research and development in raising
the integration of current 3D technology within forensic practice
Table 02: AI Tools Used in Forensic
Odontology
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Machine Learning Models |
Dental pattern matching |
Faster and accurate |
Requires large datasets |
||||
|
Deep Learning Algorithms |
Bite mark analysis |
High precision |
Computationally expensive |
||||
|
Neural Networks |
Age estimation from dental data |
Can process complex data patterns |
Prone to overfitting in small datasets |
||||
|
Image Recognition Systems |
3D photo scan comparison |
Automated analysis, large-scale capability |
Dependent on high-quality input data |
Three-dimensional convolutional neural networks (3D CNNs) represent
a powerful application of artificial intelligence (AI) in image processing and
recognition, leveraging deep learning to handle both generative and descriptive
tasks. Unlike traditional models, CNNs have the ability to autonomously
identify key features from data without human intervention. The unique strength
of 3D CNNs lies in their capacity to process three-dimensional data, such as 3D
volumes or a series of 2D images, like slices from a cone-beam computed
tomography (CBCT) scan. The primary aim is to foster collaboration between
forensic medical experts and AI engineers, enabling professionals with basic
knowledge of AI to implement it in forensic research. This paper presents a new
workflow for applying 3D CNNs to analyze full-head CBCT scans, exploring its
potential in five forensic research areas: (1) sex determination, (2)
biological age estimation, (3) 3D cephalometric landmark annotation, (4) growth
vector prediction, and (5) facial soft-tissue estimation from skull data.
Ultimately, the integration of 3D CNNs could revolutionize forensic medicine,
significantly improving analysis workflows through advanced neural network
technology
Table 03: Prospective Future Applications of 3D Photo Scanning and
AI in Forensic Odontology
|
Application Area |
3D Photo Scan Role |
|
Potential Impact |
|
|
Bite mark analysis |
Precise modeling of bite marks |
|
Faster and more reliable identification |
|
|
Age estimation |
Detailed 3D dental structure scans |
Age prediction through machine learning |
Non-invasive and accurate |
|
|
Dental identification in mass disasters |
Creation of comprehensive 3D dental records |
Automated search and matching |
Speed up identification process |
The application of 3D scanning technologies in forensic odontology
is no doubt a quantum leap as far as gathering and processing evidence goes. As
it is represented in the market projection graph Figure, from the year 2021 to
2030, significant growth is expected in the field of 3D scanning. These are
driven by breakthroughs in technology, a reduction in cost, and the increased
accuracy of 3D scans compared with the previous 2D scanning methods, thus
enhancing the identification process of human remains. Most importantly, the
integration of 3D scanning with artificial intelligence opens new horizons in
forensic analysis. AI can help analyze complex 3D data sets and detect patterns
that may be tricky for the human analyst to spot. Such a synergy of technologies
is foreseen as further sealing the role of 3D scanning in forensic odontology
with a view to further enhancing forensic practices and justice verdicts
Adoption of imaging technologies, including AI-enhanced methods
3D Dental scanner market growth and projection (2021-2023)
Adoption of 2D vs 3D scanning in forensics odontology from
2010-2023
Conclusion
In this regard, the integration of 3D photo scan data and AI in
forensic odontology enables the creation of extremely detailed models through
the use of modern methods of photogrammetry and scanning for the capture of
dental structure images that aid in identification. However, such techniques
are likely to be burdened by errors related to lighting conditions, motion
artifacts, and the precision of the scanners. The use of AI in this field has
great potential, but it requires considerable expertise in software as well as
in the interpretation of data. In the same way as other AI technologies,
correct training and cautious application are extremely important to achieve
accurate results. Where correct application of AI with 3D imagery is made,
forensic investigations become much quicker, more effective, and more reliable,
and help considerably in the identification of human remains and in court
processes. The technology has great promise, which, over the coming decades and
with incorporation into more conventional processes, might just change the way
the field works: eradicating human mistake and vastly improving results.
Declarations
Ethical approval and consent to participate:
Not Applicable.
Consent for publication: Not applicable
Availability of data and materials: Not
Applicable.
Competing interests : The authors have no conflicting interests.
Funding: None.
Authors’
contributions: All the authors have made the same contribution to
this review.
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank the
University of Indonesia for providing support.
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