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.
Analysis of the changes to dental material damaged by heat can help understand the circumstances in which they were incinerated.
Shrinkage, fractures and colour changes are all thermal alterations encountered in burnt teeth.
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.
Knowledge of the effect of thermal stress on restorative materials can help understand the circumstances of the fire.
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).
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.
