title: Differentiation of traumatic and heat-induced dental tissue fractures via SEM analysis.
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. This study examined our ability to discern notable differences in preincineration traumatic fractures and heat-induced fractures in postincineration dentition. 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°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.
authors.affiliation: Forensic Osteology Laboratory, Department of Forensic Science, Laurentian University, Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6 Canada.
authors.forename: Miranda N
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: Campbell
authors.forename: Scott I
authors.initials: SI
authors.lastname: Fairgrieve
mesh_terms: D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003481:Cuspid / Q000293:injuries* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D003804:Dentin / Q000293:injuries / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005553:Forensic Dentistry; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D007180:Incisor / Q000293:injuries* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning