Thermal Modifications of Root Transparency and Implications for Aging: A Pilot Study

• NCJ Number: 246563
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 59 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2014 Pages: 219-223
• Author(s): Daniele Gibelli M.D.; Danilo De Angelis Ph.D.; Francesca Rossetti; Annalisa Cappella M.A.; Michela Frustaci M.D.; Francesca Magli M.A.; Debora Mazzarelli M.A.; Alessandra Mazzucchi B.Sc.; Cristina Cattaneo Ph.D.
• Date Published: January 2014
• Length: 5 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Root transparency has proven to be related to age and has been considered by different odontological methods for age estimation.

Abstract

Root transparency has proven to be related to age and has been considered by different odontological methods for age estimation. Very little is known concerning possible variations of root transparency with heat, although the applicability of the method to burnt remains depends on the possible modifications of this specific variable. This pilot study presents the results of an experiment performed on 105 teeth obtained from dental patients and autopsy material, heated in an industrial oven at 50 degrees C, 100 degrees C, 150 degrees C and 200 degrees C. Root transparency was measured before and after the charring experiment. The heating process proved to radically modify root transparency, which decreased in 20% of samples at 50 degrees C, in 34.6% at 100 degrees C, in 50% at 150 degrees C, in 77% at 200 degrees C. The overall correlation index CI between decrease in root transparency and increase in temperature amounted to 0.96. These results show that heat may modify root transparency and suggest caution in using methods based on root transparency for age estimation. Abstract published by arrangement with Wiley.