Thermally Induced Morphological and Radiographic Alterations of Human Teeth: A Forensic Odontology Study in the Navi Mumbai Population

Abstract

Background: Teeth are among the most thermally resistant structures in the human body and serve as crucial forensic evidence. In Navi Mumbai—a rapidly urbanizing city with frequent high-rise, industrial, and vehicular fire incidents—the assessment of burnt teeth can provide vital clues in identification and evidence handling.

Aim: To evaluate the morphological and radiographic changes in extracted human teeth exposed to graded temperatures, and to assess the statistical significance of observed differences in a Navi Mumbai population study.
Materials and Methods: A total of 48 extracted permanent teeth (24 anterior, 24 posterior) were collected from dental clinics across Navi Mumbai. Teeth were divided into six groups (n=8 per group) and subjected to 100°C, 300°C, 500°C, 700°C, 800°C, and 900°C for 30 minutes using a digital furnace. Morphological changes were recorded macroscopically, while radiographic alterations were assessed using radiovisiography. Data were analyzed with Chi-square test for categorical variables (colour changes, fracture presence) and ANOVA for continuous variables (crack depth, fragmentation scores). A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Colour changes showed a significant correlation with temperature (χ² = 41.26, p < 0.001). Radiographic alterations increased significantly with temperature (F = 23.17, p < 0.001). Teeth remained structurally intact up to 300°C, while significant fragmentation began at ≥500°C. Anterior teeth showed a higher degree of thermal damage compared to posterior teeth (p = 0.032).
Conclusion: Thermally induced morphological and radiographic alterations in teeth follow a predictable pattern, with statistically significant associations to temperature levels. Forensic odontologists in Navi Mumbai can use colour, fracture patterns, and radiographic findings as reliable indicators for handling fragile evidence and estimating thermal exposure.