title: Scanning electron microscopic analysis of incinerated teeth: An aid to forensic identification.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Forensic dental identification of victims involved in fire accidents is often a complex and challenging endeavor. Knowledge of the charred human dentition and residues of restorative material can help in the recognition of bodies burned beyond recognition.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To observe the effects of predetermined temperatures on healthy unrestored teeth and different restorative materials in restored teeth, by scanning electron microscope, for the purpose of identification.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study was conducted on 135 extracted teeth, which were divided into four groups. Group 1-healthy unrestored teeth, group 2-teeth restored with all ceramic crowns, group 3-teeth restored with class I composite resin and group 4-teeth restored with class I glass ionomer cement (GIC).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The scanning electron microscope is useful in the analysis of burned teeth, as it gives fine structural details, requires only a small sample and does not destroy the already fragile specimen.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Scanning electron microscope can be a useful tool for the characterization and study of severely burnt teeth for victim identification.
authors: Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Government Dental College and Hospital, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India.
authors: Chetan A
authors: CA
authors: Pol
authors: Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Government Dental College and Hospital, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India.
authors: Suchitra R
authors: SR
authors: Gosavi
keywords: Forensic identification; healthy unrestored teeth; restorative materials; scanning electron microscope