Oral autopsy of unidentified burned human remains. A new procedure.

Forensic dentistry plays an increasingly important role in medicolegal investigation and identification procedures. The oral examination may be difficult because of postmortem changes, especially those of carbonized corpses. We present a new technique of oral autopsy that includes a new means of access to the oral cavity designed for application on unidentified burned human remains. This technique preserves the facial configuration of the cadaver, allowing visual recognition by family members or other persons that is fundamental if the antemortem dental records do not exist or are not available. Also, this technique permits adequate work productivity by the forensic team members and can be used in difficult working conditions, such as mass-disaster scenarios.