Scanning electron microscopic investigation of thermal damage of the teeth.

Sound teeth were heated to 200 degrees C and 1300 degrees C and the gradually developing morphological changes have been studied. The cementum structure was destroyed at about 500 degrees C, the enamel structure between 700 and 900 degrees C, whereas dentine preserved its canalicular structure even after the inorganic salts had melted at 900 degrees to 1000 degrees C. At 1300 degrees C the mineral substances of the tooth were melting into atypical, globular formations. Scanning electron microscopic examination of dental residues damaged by high temperature seems valuable from forensic, criminological as well as anthropological aspects, since the origin of the finding can be determined, from a small fragment, the material can be identified with a tooth and conclusions can be drawn concerning the temperature inducing the damage.