Copyright (c) 2026 Kampelli Keerthana, K.V.N.R.Pratap, B.Vengal rao, V.Srujan kumar, K.Darshika Chandini, K.S.Niharika
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Scorching Effects of Heat on Extracted Teeth
Corresponding Author(s) : Kampelli Keerthana
International Journal of Allied Medical Sciences and Clinical Research,
Vol. 14 No. 2 (2026): 2026 Volume -14 - Issue 2
Abstract
Fire investigation is the multidisciplinary basis of the exploration, which involves investigations concerning the origin of fire, its cause as well as the identification of victims. At times, victim identification in fire disasters becomes nearly impossible owing to complete destruction of soft tissues. In such circumstances, teeth may prove to be of value since they are extremely hard. A precise understanding of physical and histological changes in teeth subjected to high temperature can provide valuable clues in fire and crime investigations, when dental evidence remains.
AIM:The main aim and objective of the study was to investigate structural damage in freshly extracted teeth to heating, at different temperatures for a certain length of time in the laboratory..
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate physical and histological changes in teeth exposed to high temperatures and co-relates finding to the temperature.
Methods: Freshly extracted 54 permanent teeth of different age groups were collected and were subjected to temperatures of 100°C, 300°C, and 600°C. Teeth were then examined for any physical changes such as change in colour, texture, or morphology that occurred. Then the teeth were subjected for decalcification following which the tissues were kept for routine processing and were embedded in paraffin wax. Sections of 4 µm thickness were made and stained in hematoxylin and eosin (H and E) to correlate the microscopic findings to the temperature.
RESULT: Statistical analysis showed a significant association between temperature elevation and the degree of structural alteration observed in extracted teeth (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that exposure to increasing temperatures produces progressive macroscopic and microscopic alterations in extracted human teeth. Changes such as discoloration, enamel cracking, dentinal disruption, carbonization, and fragmentation became more pronounced with rising temperature levels. Teeth exposed to higher temperatures showed severe structural destruction and loss of normal morphology.