A morphological and radiological assessment of teeth in variable incinerated temperature-An experimental study

Introduction: Teeth are considered as the most durable structures that resist physical, chemical and biological insults than any other hard or soft tissues in the body. Proper assessment and analysis of such dental tissues could provide vital information in forensic context. The aim of the study was to examine and observe the morphological and radiological changes on teeth after getting exposed to variable incinerated temperature.

Methods:An experimental study was conducted on 120 extracted teeth fulfilling the inclusion criteria. The teeth were rinsed thoroughly in tap water and cleaned with a manual scaler before exposing it to varied temperature. Teeth were exposed to variable heat at 6 different temperatures (100°C, 300°C, 500°C, 700°C, 900°, 1000°C) and for 2 different time interval i.e. 15 and 30 min in digital muffle furnace. The teeth were thoroughly examined using stereomicroscope (0.1 X magnifications -Zeiss Stemi DV4 Stereo Zoom Microscope) and radiographs were taken (70 kVp, 7 mA, 0.32 exposure time) before and after exposure to high temperatures.

Results:The effect of heat on teeth depends on various factors such as the type of teeth, temperature, and also the time period. The morphological and radiological changes normally includes changes in dimensional stability, changes in texture, changes in colour, changes in the appearance of fissures and cracks and changes in the fracture and fragmentation of the sample.

Conclusion:Morphologic and radiographic differences caused by fire may provide useful information about the temperature and duration of exposure to fire. This study can help the forensic investigators in preplanning the systematic approach toward the preservation of incinerated dentition, as it could prove to be the best evidence for identification of those who are extensively burned.