Abstract
We experienced a case of successful identification of an unknown body found at breakwater based on root canal treatment. After matching the dental findings of the body to the treatment history of individual's dental records, 23 teeth showed agreement in findings. Although 8 teeth did not agree in findings, they were consistent in terms of dental treatment history. There was inconsistency in the remaining tooth. This tooth was determined as intact, but the dental records indicated the existence of a resin composite restoration on that tooth. However, that inconsistency never became a critical determinant factor. Comparison of periapical radiographs of the body with the dental records revealed that the right mandibular first premolar teeth showed considerable similarity to the images of a broken endodontic instrument and a alveolar bone resorption caused by the leakage of root canal sealer at the middle of the root. Given the above information, we concluded that the identification as the same individual is reasonable. It was thought that a case where the findings of a dental medical accident helped to confirm the identity was unusual.
