Differentiation of Traumatic and Heat-Induced Dental Tissue Fractures via SEM Analysis

• NCJ Number: 234661
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 56 Issue: 3 Dated: May 2011 Pages: 715-719
• Author(s): Miranda N. Campbell, B.SC.; Scott I. Fairgrieve, Ph.D.
• Date Published: May 2011
• Length: 5 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Presented in part at the 61st Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, February 16-21, 2009, in Denver, CO.

Annotation

This study examined whether notable differences can be discerned in preincineration traumatic fractures and heat-induced fractures in postincineration dentition.

Abstract

Previous studies have examined the effects of heating on teeth; however, none have identified characteristics that allow analysts to differentiate traumatic from heat-induced fractures. Twelve anterior dental specimens were subjected to blunt force trauma while a second set were not. All 24 samples were then incinerated in a muffle furnace at a peak temperature (900 degrees C) consistent with house fires. The specimens were subsequently examined with a scanning electron microscope to identify and compare heat-induced and traumatic fractures. The results obtained during examination yielded no differences between the features displayed by specimens that had been inflicted with preincineration trauma and those that did not. Unlike bone, distinguishing features for the differentiation of traumatic and heat-induced fractures could not be compiled. (Published Abstract)