Journal Published Online: 01 July 1990
Volume 35, Issue 4

Methods for Physical Stabilization of Ashed Teeth in Incinerated Remains

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

Methods for physically stabilizing the extremely fragile ashed teeth that are often encountered in incinerated human remains were investigated.

Results of a questionnaire sent to forensic anthropologists and forensic odontologists disclosed that, for these two groups, the most popular methods currently used are impregnation with a solution of polyvinyl acetate or application of cyanoacrylate cement, respectively.

In addition, extracted human teeth were incinerated in the laboratory and impregnated with commercially available preparations of either cyanoacrylate cement, clear acrylic spray paint, hair spray, spray furniture varnish, clear fingernail polish, quick-setting epoxy cement. Duco® household cement, polyvinyl acetate polymer in acetone, or self-curing clear dental acrylic resin. Every substance tested successfully stabilized the incinerated teeth. Clear acrylic spray paint was judged the most efficacious overall because of its ease of application, availability, inexpensiveness, and rapidity of setting.

Author Information

Mincer, HH
University of Tennessee, Memphis, TN
Berryman, HE
University of Tennessee, Memphis, TN
Murray, GA
University of Tennessee, Memphis, TN
Dickens, RL
University of Tennessee, Memphis, TN
Pages: 4
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS12913J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS12913J