Forensic behavior of dental posts under high temperatures: macroscopic and imaging evaluations

Objective

To evaluate the physical behavior of intraradicular dental post subjected to high temperatures for forensic purposes. Methods: One hundred and twenty-six incisive bovine teeth were selected. The samples were randomly distributed into six groups (n = 21), according to the different posts: Exacto glass fiber Angelus™, Reforpost™ glass fiber Angelus™, Whitepost System DC glass fiber FGM™, Reforpost™ carbon fiber Angelus™, Reforpost™ I Metallic Angelus™, Ni-Cr post. Then, they were randomly divided into three subgroups (n = 7), according to the temperatures of incineration (600, 800 and 1000 °C). All teeth were photographed and radiographed pre- and post-incineration. The optical density of the posts was evaluated using ImageJ™ software. Results: Macroscopically, there was no association between temperature ranges and formation of cracks or root fractures, as well as radiographically, except for Reforpost™ Angelus™ glass fiber. Brown and gray colors were seen in root at 600°C, white at 800°C and 1000°C. In radiographic analysis, the materials showed a significant difference, with the temperature ranges and changes evaluated, except for Reforpost™ I metallic Angelus™. The analysis of the mean optical density of posts at pre- and post-incineration range moments revealed a significant difference between the materials Reforpost ™ glass fiber Angelus ™, Whitepost System DC glass fiber FGM™, Reforpost™ carbon fiber Angelus™. Conclusions: Different posts do not interfere with the macroscopic changes shown by the root. However, the posts showed radiographic and radiopacity changes depending on the material and temperature range evaluated, which is important data for determining their changes and contributing to the identification of victims.