Tooth for molecular analysis and identification – forensic approach

Abstract

The aim of this study is to optimize laboratorial preparation of teeth for DNA identification. By sectioning the tooth topografically into two different radicular portions, to analyze if this portions of mineralized tissue differ in the quantity and quality of DNA they contain. 

25 teeth were subject to different experimental conditions and total DNA was quantified for each individual tooth's radicular portion: apical and remaining root, according to a 2003 study by Gaytemenn and Sweet.

We verified, with statistically significant figures, that the apical portion of the tooth is that which contains the greatest quantity of total DNA. Different analytical procedures were studied for various polymorphic markers to evaluate the quality of the DNA.

We concluded that the tooth is topographically distinct in both DNA quantity and quality. The tooth's apical portion is the preferential choice in sample preparation of dental mineralized tissue for molecular analysis and identification.