Surface characterization of deciduous teeth subjected to high temperature: An aid to forensics

Background: Teeth exposed to thermal stress have the potential of not only aiding in identification but also understanding circumstances surrounding the fire. Paucity of research on the effect of deciduous teeth exposed to high temperatures necessitates research in this area. Aim: The present study therefore aims to investigate the type and extent of microscopic and macroscopic changes that can occur in deciduous teeth when exposed to high temperatures. Procedure: 66 deciduous teeth, extracted as a part of routine clinical treatment, were exposed to temperatures ranging from 100 ̊C to 1100 ̊C for 30 minutes. After exposure to high temperatures, teeth were analyzed for microscopic and macroscopic colorimetric changes. Result: Macroscopic colorimetric changes ranged from white and pale yellow crown and root respectively at 100 ̊C to neutral white with pink tinge and neutral white for crown and root respectively at 1100 ̊C whereas the microscopic changes ranged from crazing of surface enamel with no changes in dentin and cementum at 100 ̊C to decreased visibility of enamel crystals and dentinal tubules and molten cementum at 1100 ̊C. Conclusion: We conclude that these results would further add to the knowledge of forensic investigators as a part of identification of teeth.