Macroscopic in vitro analysis of titanium and fiberglass posts cemented in human premolars subjected to high temperatures for forensic purposes

Abstract

SUMMARYObjective: To describe the macroscopicchanges of titanium and fiberglass postscemented in human premolars subjectedto high temperatures for forensic purposes.Materials and methods: An in Vitro experimentalstudy was conducted to observethe macroscopic physical changes of dentaltissues (enamel, dentine and cement), ofmaterials of conventional endodontic use(gutta-percha Wave One® Maillefer Dentsply®, endodontic cement with epoxic resinTop Seal® Maillefer Dentsply®), postscement Relyx TM ARC 3M ESPE®) andof the titanium posts (Tenax® EndodonticPost System Coltene®) and fiberglassposts (Tenax® Fiber Trans Coltene®) in124 human teeth, exposed to five ranks oftemperature 200ºC, 400ºC, 600ºC, 800ºC,1000ºC (three teeth at each temperature).Results: The studied tissues and dentalmaterials used in this study, offer greatresistance to high temperatures, exhibitingconsiderably variation of their macrostructure,in a way that the physical changes(dimensional stability, fissures, cracks,fractures, texture, color, carbonization andincineration) can serve to identify them andto associate such changes to each rank ofspecific temperature.Conclusion: The titanium and fiberglassposts cemented in human premolars offergreat resistance to the action of high tem-peratures. In the same way, they presentspecific changes associated to the dentaltissues that can contribute with the processof identification and medico-legal necropsyof a corpse or burned, incinerated or carbonizedhuman rests.Key words: Forensic dentistry, humanidentification, dental tissues, dental materials,endodontics, high temperatures.