Effects of extreme heat on teeth with implications for histologic processing

This pilot study examined teeth subjected to extreme heat under laboratory conditions, and the subsequent effect of decalcification and histologic pro cessing. Physical and microscopic findings were evaluated in relation to te mperature and duration of thermal insult. Microscopic examination following decalcification and histologic processing revealed changes including sever e tissue fragmentation, vapor bubbles within dentinal tubules, altered hist ologic staining, charring and tissue shrinkage. Dentin appeared to be the m ost reliable microscopic identifier of incinerated dental tissues. Temperat ures above 600 degrees C strongly predicted tooth disintegration following decalcification. This finding has implications in incineration cases where histologic evidence must be maintained and examined intact.