Human Teeth: The Valiant Survivors

Abstract

Abstract Background: Fire accidents are an important cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide which includes automobile accidents, bomb explosions, electric accidents, etc., Soft tissues are easily destroyed and conventional identification becomes impossible. In such cases, forensic odontology has been an important medicolegal investigation in humans during fire accidents as the teeth can withstand high temperatures. Unlike soft tissues, teeth have a higher degree of resistance to temperature, could potentially provide valuable information, and allowing personal identification. Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the macroscopic and stereomicroscopic findings of the teeth exposed to various temperature ranges from 80°C to 90°C, 250°C–350°C, 750°C–850°C, and 900°C–1000°C. Materials and Methods: Tooth extracted for orthodontic or periodontal purposes was placed in a furnace and heated at a rate of 20°C/min and the effects at the predetermined temperatures range of 80°C–90°C, 250°C–350°C, 750°C–850°C, and 900°C–1000°C were examined macroscopically and then observed microscopically using stereomicroscope. Results: Teeth can resist high temperatures and their change in color from lesser to high temperature was seen. The evident colour changes were ranging from light yellow to yellowish–brown, greyish–brown, bluish–grey, and chalky–white. Conclusion: Teeth can be a reliable source of identification in fire accidents if no other means of identification is available.