Extrication of DNA from Burnt Teeth Exposed to Environment

Teeth are good sources of DNA in mass disasters especially in fires and explosions because they are largely protected from environmental and physical conditions. It is possible to obtain mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) even in cases of degraded human remains.

To obtain DNA from burnt teeth exposed to environment for a period of six months and 12 months and to highlight the importance of DNA obtained from tooth in identifying a deceased in fire accidents after being subjected to environment.

Randomly 20 extracted teeth samples were collected. The teeth were divided into two groups (Group 1 and 2) and were subjected to 700°C using a Delta burnout furnace. Burnt teeth were exposed to environment for a period of six months and 12 months respectively. Data was analysed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0. Data was summarized by percentages for count data. The comparison within group was done by single proportion test and the comparison between two groups was done by two proportion test. All p-value less than 0.05 were considered as statistically significant.

The present study revealed that mtDNA was obtained from eight extracted teeth samples among Group 1 and six extracted teeth samples among Group 2.

Teeth are good source of DNA, even in cases where the bodies are burnt and exposed to environment.