ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 5

Effects of Extreme Heat on Teeth with Implications for Histologic Processing
Williams, JM
Deputy Medical Examiner, Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office, MN

Hodges, JS
Senior research associate, Division of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, and Director, Biostatistics Core, Minnesota Oral Health Clinical Research Center, School of Dentistry, University of Minnesota, Minnesota

Myers, SL
Assistant professor, Division of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry, University of Minnesota, MN

(Received 24 September 1998; accepted 20 October 1998)

Abstract

This pilot study examined teeth subjected to extreme heat under laboratory conditions, and the subsequent effect of decalcification and histologic processing. Physical and microscopic findings were evaluated in relation to temperature and duration of thermal insult. Microscopic examination following decalcification and histologic processing revealed changes including 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°C strongly predicted tooth disintegration following decalcification. This finding has implications in incineration cases where histologic evidence must be maintained and examined intact.

Keywords:
forensic science, incineration, dentition, histologic processing, histology

Paper ID: JFS14556J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS14556J
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