Detection and Classification of Composite Resins in Incinerated Teeth for Forensic Purposes

• NCJ Number: 214503
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 51 Issue: 3 Dated: May 2006 Pages: 636-642
• Author(s): Mary A. Bush D.D.S; Peter J. Bush B.S.; Raymond G. Miller D.D.S
• Date Published: May 2006
• Length: 7 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) was used to characterize the structure and composition of 10 modern resins used in tooth restorations, and the maintenance of these characteristics was tested under near-cremation conditions.

Abstract

The resins were found to be individually distinguishable by a combination of structure and elemental composition when not subjected to high temperature. The subjection of the resins to high temperatures that approached cremation conditions had no negative effect on resin identification by elemental analysis, and it was still possible to separate each of the 10 resins into 6 distinguishable groups. This means that bodies exposed to high temperatures, such as in airline crashes, explosions, or fires, may possibly be identified through an elemental analysis of any resin found in a tooth restoration. The connection of resin characteristics to a victim's identity, however, can only be achieved if the victim's dentist has recorded information on the characteristics of the resin used in the victim's tooth restoration, such as type (brand name) of resin used. This work represents the initial stage of database creation of the characteristics of resins used in tooth restoration. Ten disks of resin material were prepared and cured according to manufacturer instructions. Four separate areas on each disk were analyzed, and the average of elemental composition was taken. The same resins were also placed in extracted teeth. The filled teeth were placed in a burnout oven and heated at 900 degrees C for 30 minutes in air in a ceramic crucible. After removal from the oven, the remains were inspected with a stereomicroscope to determine whether resin material could be distinguished visually from tooth structure, as well as to recover presumed resin from the debris. The debris was analyzed by SEM/EDS. 3 tables, 6 figures, and 20 references