Nutrient canals of the alveolar process as an anatomic feature for dental identifications.

Nutrient canals are anatomic structures of the alveolar bone through which neurovascular elements transit to supply teeth and supporting structures. A dental identification using a nutrient canal of the mandibular alveolar process as the most compelling anatomic feature for antemortem-postmortem radiographic comparison is described. Nutrient canals as a potential marker for clinical disease is also discussed.