Scanning electron microscopy, a useful tool in forensic dental work.

In selected cases there is a need for microscopic information found on the surface of tooth specimens. Scanning electron microscopy is the method of choice. Based on the knowledge of the structural organization of the mineralized dental tissues differential diagnoses of physical and chemical changes can be made. It is suggested that the forensic dental profession cooperates in establishing a collection of reference material illustrating different traumas to enamel and dentin, deposits on teeth and the structure of restorative dental materials as they will appear after some years in position on a tooth. Four different cases are presented.