Forensic exploration of endodontic cements: Unveiling macroscopic and radiographic changes under high temperatures

• Published in: Forensic science international 2024-03, Vol.356, p.111953-111953, Article 111953
• Main Authors: Lima, Natalia Fernandes Cardoso, Ribeiro, Guilherme D., Visconti, Maria A., Verner, Francielle S., Breda de Souza, Andreia Cristina
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alveolar bone; Combustion; Composite materials; Cracks; Dental cement; Dental crowns; Dental implants; Dental materials; Dental roots; Dentistry; Endodontics; Forensic odontology; Forensic science; Fractures; High temperature; Incineration; Root resorption; Sealers; Shades; Teeth; Temperature
• ISSN: 0379-0738; 1872-6283
• DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.111953

To evaluate macroscopically and radiographically the behavior of four endodontic sealers submitted to high temperatures, with forensic purposes. Sixty-four lower anterior teeth were included. All teeth were endodontically treated, and simulation of external cervical resorption (ECR) was performed. Half of the sample was filled with AH-Plus™ cement and had ECR sealed with Bio-C-Repair™. The other 32 teeth were filled with Bio-C-Sealer™ cement and had their respective ECR sealed with MTA-Repair™. Then, all teeth were introduced into a bovine bone block to simulate the alveolar bone. The teeth were submitted to incineration at temperatures of 600, 800, 1000, and 1140 °C. All teeth were radiographed before and after incineration. The pre-and post-incineration radiopacity of cements and dentin were evaluated using the ImageJ™ software and compared using a t-test for paired samples. It was possible to confirm color change and appearance of cracks in the tissues and dental materials tested, varying according to the temperature. Radiographically, it was observed that the dental crowns completely detached at 1000 ° and 1140 °C, and, only at 1140 °C, the roots showed cracks. Regarding the radiopacity, there was a significant difference in the shades of gray in AH-Plus™ when subjected to 1000 ° and 1140 °C, and at 600 ° and 1000 °C in Bio-C-Sealer™. In Bio-C-Repair™ and MTA-Repair™, a difference was observed at 600 ° and 1140 °C. There were macroscopic and radiographic alterations of the materials. This data is important in Forensic Dentistry and may contribute to identifying carbonized victims. •Macroscopic evaluation of dental structures and endodontic cements before and after incineration.•Radiographic evaluation of dental structures and endodontic cements before and after incineration.•Assessment of the gray tones of endodontic cements and dentin tissue before and after incineration.