1. Introduction Odontology—the study of the anatomy and growth of teeth and diseases associated with the teeth and gums. Forensic Odontologist uses knowledge of the teeth to: – Identify victims of mass disasters – Help police in criminal investigations – Verify signs of abuse Forensic Science II: Forensic Odontology, Chapter 11 © 2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved 1

2. Structure & Function of Teeth (Obj 11.1, 11.2) Digestion begins in the mouth Enzymes in the saliva chemically break down complex carbohydrates into simpler molecules Teeth mechanically grind and crush food Tooth is divided into three regions – Crown—above the gum line – Neck—where crown and root meet – Root—embedded in bony socket Forensic Science II: Forensic Odontology, Chapter 11 © 2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved 2

3. Structure & Function of Teeth (Obj 11.1, 11.2) crown - the portion of the tooth that is covered in enamel and is situated above the gum http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/20 07/08/01/health/adam/1121.jpg 3

4. Structure & Function of Teeth (Obj 11.1, 11.2) neck - area between the root and the crown of the tooth; also known as the cementoenamel junction (where the enamel and cementum meet) http://intranet.tdmu.edu.ua/data/kafedr a/internal/stomat_ortop/classes_stud/e n/stomat/ptn/Propaedeutics%20of%20o rthopedic%20stomatology/2/02.%20Teet h,%20tooth%20rows.%20Groups%20of% 20teeth..files/image032.jpg 4

5. Structure & Function of Teeth (Obj 11.1, 11.2) root - the portion of the tooth that extends into the tooth socket and is covered with cementum. http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/20 07/08/01/health/adam/1121.jpg 5

6. Structure & Function of Teeth (Obj 11.1, 11.2) dentin - hardened connective tissue that makes up the majority of a tooth; surrounds the pulp cavity and is covered by enamel in the crown and by cementum in the root http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/20 07/08/01/health/adam/1121.jpg 6

7. Structure & Function of Teeth (Obj 11.1, 11.2) pulp - softer connective tissue that composes the innermost portion of the tooth; contains nerves and blood vessels http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/20 07/08/01/health/adam/1121.jpg 7

8. Structure & Function of Teeth (Obj 11.1, 11.2) enamel - the outer covering of the crown of a tooth, made up of calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/20 07/08/01/health/adam/1121.jpg 8

9. Structure & Function of Teeth (Obj 11.1, 11.2) cementum - bonelike covering of the portion of the tooth that extends into the bone (the root); attaches the tooth to the periodontal ligament, a connective tissue that anchors the tooth to the bone http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/20 07/08/01/health/adam/1121.jpg 9

10. Structure & Function of Teeth (Obj 11.1, 11.2) Periodontal ligament— anchors the tooth to the bone, keeps teeth in alignment, and acts as shock absorber Forensic Science II: Forensic Odontology, Chapter 11 © 2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved 10