Advances in Nondestructive DNA Extraction from Teeth for Human Identification

TL;DR

This paper reviews nondestructive DNA extraction methods from teeth, showing they are effective for human identification in forensics and archaeology while preserving samples.

Contribution

The paper highlights advances in nondestructive dental cementum DNA extraction, offering ethical and sustainable alternatives to traditional destructive methods.

Findings

Nondestructive methods from dental cementum yield DNA comparable to traditional destructive approaches.

Cementum is a reliable DNA source in aged and degraded teeth, though the petrous bone remains optimal in extreme conditions.

Context-specific sampling strategies are needed to balance analysis and preservation of museum specimens.

Abstract

This review synthesizes advances in nondestructive DNA extraction from teeth, emphasizing their importance in forensics and archaeogenetics. Because of their mineralized structure and resistance to diagenesis, teeth remain vital for human identification when other tissues are unavailable or degraded. Modern protocols targeting dental cementum have shown high success rates in retrieving nuclear DNA while maintaining specimen integrity, supporting ethical standards, and enabling additional morphological and isotopic analyses. Nondestructive extraction methods produce DNA yields comparable to—or in some archaeological cases, greater than—those of traditional destructive approaches, while ensuring strict contamination control and minimal physical impact. Cementum is a reliable source of DNA in aged and degraded teeth, although the petrous part of the temporal bone still represents the best option under extreme preservation conditions. These results highlight the need for context-specific sampling strategies that balance analytical goals with the preservation of museum collections. Future efforts include testing nondestructive protocols across various forensic scenarios and creating predictive models for DNA preservation. Overall, these developments promote ethical, effective, and sustainable practices in human genomic analysis.

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