Abstract

PARRA, Verónica et al. Conventional X-ray analysis of porcine (Sus domesticus) periodontal and dental tissue subjected to high temperature. Rev. Odont. Mex [online]. 2015, vol.19, n.2, pp.89-95. ISSN 1870-199X.

Introduction: The implementation of animal models for the study of periodontal and dental tissues of teeth articulated into their sockets and subjected to high temperatures allows the establishment of repetitive parameters which might contribute to identification processes. Aim: To describe radiographic changes of pig's (Sus domesticus) periodontal and dental tissues subjected to high temperatures. Material and methods: An in vitro pseudo-experimental, descriptive and observational study was undertaken in order to assess radiological changes of periodontal and dental tissues of 60 domestic pig's teeth which had been subjected to high temperatures (200, 400, 600, 800 and 1,000 ^oC). Results: The dental and periodontal tissues subject of this research article presented strong resistance to high temperatures without considerable variation of their micro-structure. Thus, physical changes (dimensional stability, fissures, cracks and fractures) which took place as temperature increased, could be described using a conventional X-ray. Conclusions: Radiographic examination of teeth articulated in their sockets can be established as a mechanism to determine the temperature at which the tooth was subjected. This could be used in processes of dental identification and medical-legal autopsy documentation in cases of burned, carbonized or incinerated human remains. Domestic pigs (Sus domesticus) can be regarded as a suitable experimental animal models to study the aforementioned changes. Nevertheless, a study involving human teeth articulated in their own socket is recommended in order to determine whether the radiographic findings herein described are replicated and can be extrapolated.

Keywords : Forensic dentistry; domestic pig (Sus domesticus); dental and periodontal tissues; high temperatures; conventional X-ray; animal experimental model.