Makesh Raj; Karen Boaz; N Srikant

doi:10.4103/0975-1475.114536

Authors

Makesh Raj Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Tagore Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Karen Boaz Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Mangalore, Manipal University Karnataka
N Srikant Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Mangalore, Manipal University Karnataka

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4103/0975-1475.114536

Abstract

Aim: Teeth are the most durable structures that resist destruction more than skeletal tissue Commercially available acids can be used to destroy the body or a part, to mask human identification. The present study examines the effect of caustic acids on human dentition. Materials and Methods: Ten upper anterior teeth each were immersed in 37% hydrochloric acid (conc. HCl), 65% nitric acid (conc. HNO3 ) and 96% sulfuric acid (conc. H2 SO4 ). Teeth were retrieved, washed in distilled water, dried, photographed and radiographed at intervals of 15 min, 30 min, 1 hr, 3 hr, 5 hr and 8 hr. Results: Teeth placed in conc. HCl and conc. HNO 3 dissolved completely after 8 hours, while that placed in conc. H2 SO4 retained its morphology and radiographic dimension even after 8 hours. Conclusion: Hence teeth can serve as a tool in identification (age estimation and sex determination) of the victim when in contact with conc. H2 SO4 .

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