Effects of Extreme Heat on Teeth With Implications for Histologic Processing

• NCJ Number: 182628
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 44 Issue: 4 Dated: July 1999 Pages: 805-809
• Author(s): Sandra L. Myers DMD; John M. Williams DDS; James S. Hodges Ph.D.
• Editor(s): R. E. Gaensslen Ph.D.
• Date Published: 1999
• Length: 5 pages
• Grant Number(s): P30-DE09737
• Sponsoring Agency: National Ctr on Minority Health and Health Disparities
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Technical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This pilot study examined teeth subjected to extreme heat under laboratory conditions and the subsequent effect of decalcification and histologic processing.

Abstract

The study sample included 66 freshly extracted permanent teeth obtained as discarded waste from dental office patients. Physical and microscopic findings were evaluated in relation to temperature and duration of thermal insult. Microscopic examination following decalcification and histologic processing revealed such changes as severe tissue fragmentation, vapor bubbles within dentinal tubules, altered histologic staining, charring, and tissue shrinkage. Dentin appeared to be the most reliable microscopic identifier of incinerated dental tissues. Temperatures above 600 degrees Centigrade strongly predicted tooth disintegration following decalcification. The findings have implications in incineration cases where histologic evidence must be maintained and examined intact. 13 references, 3 tables, and 6 figures