Radiographic evaluation of teeth subjected to high temperatures: Experimental study to aid identification processes

Abstract 

The radiographic evaluation of dental remains represents a significant aspect in the forensic identification process, particularly after an exposure to fire. The aim of this “in vitro” study was to evaluate the radiographic features of unrestored, endodontically treated and restored teeth after exposure to an experimental range of high temperatures.

Ninety human teeth were divided into two groups: (1) unrestored teeth, as a control group and (2) teeth endodontically treated (condensation technique) and restored with amalgam or composite fillings. Before testing the high temperatures, periapical radiographs of all teeth were performed. The tests of exposure to heat were carried out in an oven for six different temperatures (200, 400, 600, 800, 1000 and 1100°C (392, 752, 1112, 1472, 1832, 2012°F)). After each exposure, periapical radiographs of all the teeth were taken. The radiographic appearance of all the teeth before and after the thermal stresses were evaluated and the differences were recorded.

The results of the radiographic examination showed that a number of significant radiographic details were conserved: the composite fillings were in place maintaining the shape till 600°C (1112°F), the amalgam fillings were in place maintaining the shape till 1000°C (1832°F) and the endodontic treatments were recognisable till 1100°C (2012°F).

Keywords: Forensic science, Forensic odontology, Identification, Radiographs, Dental materials, High temperatures