Advantages of the digital X-ray system in dental identification of persons with reference to two murder cases

Abstract

Direct digital X-ray technology was applied to dental identification of victims in two murder cases using the Compuray system. In both cases the digital radiography proved to be simple to use, quick and effective, allowing superimposition, enlargement and transportability to a mortuary. These are the first reported uses of the technology in Japan and further development promises the transmittability of data and images electronically to remote locations, further enhancing its usefulness. Comparing the skull with the dental ante-mortem X-ray films and records of a specific person who was reported "missing", we found many identical points between the two, especially in regard to the X-ray findings with the Compuray. In both cases we obtained a large number of X-ray images in a remarkably short time and this was very useful for identification by means of the teeth.