Teeth are the most resistant tissue in the body and are often the only evidence that can be used for human identification in cases of burnt remains.
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Analysis of the changes to dental material damaged by heat can help understand the circumstances in which they were incinerated.
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Shrinkage, fractures and colour changes are all thermal alterations encountered in burnt teeth.
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This model shows alterations to teeth after 30 minutes of exposure at temperatures ranging from 1000°C to 400°C.
Analysis of dental restorations is an essential part of human identification from dental remains.
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Knowledge of the effect of thermal stress on restorative materials can help understand the circumstances of the fire.
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Different materials will respond differently to heat. Glass ionomer cement is particularly affected by heat, while porcelain and metal crowns are more resistant but can become dislodged (at different temperatures).
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This model shows the effect of exposure at 400°C for 30 minutes on common restorations:
glass ionomer cement;
composite;
zinc phosphate;
porcelain fused to metal crown;
alloy metal crown;
amalgam.
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