Effect of various temperatures on restored and unrestored teeth: A forensic study

##plugins.themes.academic_pro.article.main##

Shubhangi Bagdey
Rohit Moharil
Alka Dive
Samantha Thakur
Ashish Bodhade
Akshay Dhobley

Abstract

Background: In large scale disasters associated with fire the damage caused by heat can make medico legal identification of human remains difficult. Teeth, restorations, and prostheses all of which are resistant to quite high temperatures and can be used as aids in identification process. Aim: Aim of the study was to investigate the macroscopic and microscopic changes of teeth and several dental filling materials exposed to a range of high temperature (200-800°C). Dental restorations include filling materials, crown, and bridges. Materials and Methods: Restored and unrestored teeth were placed in a furnace and heated at a rate of 30°C/min and the effects of the predetermined temperatures 200, 400, 600, and 800°C were observed. Macroscopic and stereo microscope findings were observed. Results: Our results showed that teeth and restorative materials resist higher temperatures than theoretically predicted and that even when a restoration is lost because of detachment or change of state, its ante-mortem presence can be confirmed and detected by stereo microscopic examination of the residual cavity. Conclusion: We further conclude that a reasonably reliable estimation of the temperature of exposure can be made from an analysis of the teeth and restorative materials.

##plugins.themes.academic_pro.article.details##

How to Cite
Shubhangi Bagdey, Rohit Moharil, Alka Dive, Samantha Thakur, Ashish Bodhade, & Akshay Dhobley. (2014). Effect of various temperatures on restored and unrestored teeth: A forensic study. Journal of Forensic Dental Sciences, 6(1), 62–66. https://doi.org/10.4103/0975-1475.127777

References

  1. Ubelaker DH. The forensic evaluation of burned skeletal remains: A synthesis. Forensic Sci Int 2009;183:1‑5.
  2. Delattre VF. Burned beyond recognition: Systematic approach to the dental identification of charred human remains. J Forensic Sci 2000;45:589‑96.
  3. Bush MA, Bush PJ, Miller RG. Detection and classification of composite resins in incinerated teeth for forensic purposes. J Forensic Sci 2006;51:636‑42.
  4. Merlati G, Danesino P, Savio C, Fassina G, Osculati A, Menghini P. Observations on dental prostheses and restorations subjected to high temperatures: Experimental studies to aid identification processes. J Forensic Odontostomatol 2002;20:17‑24.
  5. Patidar KA, Parwani R, Wanjari S. Effects of high temperature on different restorations in forensic identification: Dental samples and mandible. J Forensic Dent Sci 2010;2:37‑43.
  6. Rossouw RJ, Grobler SR, Phillips VM, van W Kotze TJ. The effects of extreme temperatures on composite, compomer and ionomer restorations. J Forensic Odontostomatol 1999;17:1‑4.
  7. Merlati G, Savlo C, Danesino P, Fassina G, Menghini P. Further study of restored and un‑restored teeth subjected to high temperatures. J Forensic Odontostomatol 2004;22:34‑9.
  8. Whittaker DK, MacDonald DG. Bite marks in flesh. In: Whittaker DK, MacDonald DG, editors. A Colour Atlas of Forensic Dentistry. London: Wolfe Medical Publications Ltd.; 1989. p. 26‑43.