Bridging Periodontics and Forensics: Emerging Trends and AI-Driven Innovations

Abstract

Forensic odontology plays a crucial role in human identification by analysing dental structures that remain resilient even under extreme postmortem conditions. Within this domain, periodontics contributes significantly by offering key morphological and pathological indicators that support age estimation, biological profiling, and individual identification. This review explores the collective relevance of periodontal tissues—periodontal ligament, cementum, alveolar bone, and gingival architecture—in forensic investigations, while also highlighting the expanding integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in forensic periodontology. Periodontal structures can be used as markers for chronological assessment since they experience predictable age-related changes. In both antemortem and postmortem situations, techniques including Gustafson's criteria, gingival recession analysis, alveolar bone loss assessment, and tooth cementum annulation (TCA) offer useful information. Additionally, dental implants are trustworthy identifiers in times of severe decomposition and mass disasters because of their thermal stability and traceable batch numbers. AI has become a potent tool in forensic odontology as a result of technical developments. When dental records are not available, machine-learning algorithms can help with morphological comparisons, forecast age more accurately, and identify pathological changes in radiographs. Additionally, implant-recognition software speeds up the classification of implant systems, and AI-assisted 3D printing and reconstruction provide precise visualisation of broken remains.In order to demonstrate the transdisciplinary importance of periodontology in forensic practice and the revolutionary potential of AI in enhancing accuracy, efficiency, and standardisation, this review summarises recent research. A potential future for forensic identification is represented by the merging of traditional periodontal assessment with AI-driven computational tools, strengthening the vital connection between dental science and the legal system.