Sex determination by tooth size in a sample of Greek population.

Sex assessment from tooth measurements can be of major importance for forensic and bioarchaeological investigations, especially when only teeth or jaws are available. The purpose of this study is to assess the reliability and applicability of establishing sex identity in a sample of Greek population using the discriminant function proposed by Rösing et al. (1995). The study comprised of 172 dental casts derived from two private orthodontic clinics in Athens. The individuals were randomly selected and all had clear medical history. The mesiodistal crown diameters of all the teeth were measured apart from those of the 3rd molars. The values quoted for the sample to which the discriminant function was first applied were similar to those obtained for the Greek sample. The results of the preliminary statistical analysis did not support the use of the specific discriminant function for a reliable determination of sex by means of the mesiodistal diameter of the teeth. However, there was considerable variation between different populations and this might explain the reason for lack of discriminating power of the specific function in the Greek population. In order to investigate whether a better discriminant function could be obtained using the Greek data, separate discriminant function analysis was performed on the same teeth and a different equation emerged without, however, any real improvement in the classification process, with an overall correct classification of 72%. The results showed that there were a considerably higher percentage of females correctly classified than males. The results lead to the conclusion that the use of the mesiodistal diameter of teeth is not as a reliable method as one would have expected for determining sex of human remains from a forensic context. Therefore, this method could be used only in combination with other identification approaches.

Dental diagnostic radiology in the forensic sciences: two case presentations.

Dentomaxillofacial radiology is a useful tool in forensic science to reveal characteristics of the structures of the dentomaxillofacial region. Postmortem radiographs are valuable to the forensic odontologist for comparison with antemortem radiographs, which are the most consistent part of the antemortem records that can be transmitted during forensic examination procedures. By using dentomaxillofacial radiology we can, therefore, give answers to problems dealing with identification cases, mass disasters and dental age estimation. We present the contribution of dentomaxillofacial radiology to the forensic sciences through two cases of deceased persons, where identification was based on information provided by radiographs. The right performance, interpretation and reportage of dentomaxillofacial radiological examination and procedures can be extremely valuable in solving forensic problems.

Stevens-Johnson syndrome: case presentation.

Erythema Multiforme (EM) is a rare mucocutaneous disease with a variety of clinical manifestations. EM it was recognized in the early 1800's, and still the etiology is unknown. It has been recently suggested erythema multiforme (EM) major and Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) could be separated as two distinct clinical disorders with similar mucosal erosions, but different patterns of cutaneous lesions. In particular SJS should be used for a syndrome characterized by mucous membrane erosions and widespread small blisters that appear on erythematous or purpuric maculae, which are different from classic targets. In SJS mouth, eyes, skin, genitalia and occasionally the esophagus and respiratory track may be affected. Oral lesions may cause severe pain and usually lips may become encrusted. Concerning ocular involvement, if there is conjunctivitis or uveitis this may lead to scarring and blindness. Also, the course of disease and the prognosis are in most cases severe.

Oral health status in Greek children and teenagers, with disabilities.

Nowadays there is a sharp increase of population with disabilities. The aim of this investigation was a) to survey the dental health status, estimate the treatment requirements of children and adolescents with cerebral palsy, mental retardation and visual disorders and b) to compare the oral health status of these groups of individuals. The investigation entailed the clinical examination of 170 individuals, between 6 and 15 years old, who were attending four special schools in Athens, Greece. In conclusion, our investigation documented the following: The treatment needs regarding both dentitions are extremely high in all groups of individuals. The oral hygiene status is in general, moderate to low-grade, especially in the individuals with mental retardation. The highest rate of malocclusion is observed in the group of individuals with cerebral palsy.

Premolar development in Greek children with cleft lip and palate.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this investigation was to study the development of the premolars in a sample of Greek children with cleft lip and palate. METHOD AND MATERIALS: The study material consisted of panoramic radiographs of 34 individuals (22 boys and 12 girls) with cleft lip with or without cleft palate. The boys ranged from 9.0 to 14.0 years of age and the girls ranged from 8.0 to 14.5 years of age. The mean age was 11.3 years. Each panoramic radiograph was matched with a corresponding one of an unaffected individual of the same sex and chronologic age (+/- 3 months). The panoramic radiographs were used to categorize the stages of tooth development according to the 10 stages of mineralization described by Nolla. The assessment was repeated by a second observer. RESULTS: Individuals with clefts exhibited a statistically significant delay of formation and mineralization of the maxillary right and left second premolars and the mandibular right second premolar in comparison to individuals without clefts. In the cleft group, there was no statistically significant difference between boys and girls in premolar development. No asymmetric development of contralateral premolar teeth was observed in individuals with cleft lip and palate. CONCLUSION: Although the exact biologic explanation remains to be found, the formation of premolars is delayed in children with cleft lip and palate.