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Dental implant changes following incineration
1Forensic Odontology Unit, School of Dentistry, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia. john.berketa@adelaide.edu.au
Forensic Science International
|October 1, 2010
Summary
Dental implants remain identifiable after incineration, offering crucial forensic identification when DNA and fingerprints are destroyed. This study shows implants resist extreme heat, retaining features for victim identification.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Science
- Materials Science
- Biomaterials Engineering
Background:
- Non-visual victim identification relies on DNA, fingerprints, and dental records.
- Incineration can destroy DNA and fingerprint evidence, and damage teeth.
- Dental implants may be the sole remaining physical identifiers in such cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of high temperatures on dental implants.
- To determine if dental implants retain identifying features after incineration.
Main Methods:
- Dental implants (commercially pure titanium and titanium alloy) were radiographed.
- Implants were heated to 1125°C in a kiln.
- Post-heating radiographs were compared to pre-heating images using image subtraction in Adobe Photoshop.
Main Results:
- Both titanium implant types survived incineration.
- Surface oxidation occurred, causing minor radiographic image alterations.
- No detectable sagging or structural deformation of the implants was observed.
Conclusions:
- Dental implants are recognizable after exposure to incineration temperatures.
- Implants resist extreme heat better than teeth and conventional dental materials.
- Implants retain features crucial for forensic identification of the implant type.
