FORENSIC ODONTOLOGY IN CARBONIZED BODIES: STRUCTURAL RESILIENCE OF DENTAL EVIDENCE AND EFFECTIVENESS OF PROTOCOLS

Authors

  • Matheus Farias Escorel Author
  • Nathallya Alvino Maia Pereira Author
  • Amanda Wikela Sousa Ferreira Author
  • Geovana Brito de Freitas Barros Author
  • Maria Clara Calixto de Sá Author
  • José Eraldo Viana Ferreira Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56238/levv17n61-003

Keywords:

Forensic Dentistry, Disaster Victim Identification, Dental Materials

Abstract

Objective: To integrate and analyze scientific evidence on the thermal alterations in teeth and restorative materials, discussing the applicability of the main forensic protocols used in the identification of carbonized bodies. Methods: This is an integrative review carried out in the SciELO, PubMed, and LILACS databases, covering the period from 2018 to 2024. Experimental studies, reviews, and case reports addressing thermal effects on dental and restorative structures, as well as national and international forensic guidelines, were included. Expected results: The literature shows that dental enamel maintains structural integrity up to approximately 1000 °C, while dentin and cementum undergo progressive degradation above 400 °C. Metallic materials, such as amalgams and posts, demonstrate greater thermal resistance compared to composite resins and ceramics. Changes in color and structural integrity follow predictable patterns, allowing estimation of the temperature range of exposure. Standardized protocols, such as Interpol’s DVI, and the integration of ante-mortem and post-mortem records enhance the accuracy of forensic dental identification. Conclusion: Forensic odontology is indispensable for identifying carbonized victims, providing reliable data even when other methods fail. The standardization of protocols, the use of digital technologies, and the creation of dental databases strengthen forensic practice and improve the efficiency of human identification processes in disasters and fires.

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References

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Published

2026-06-02

How to Cite

ESCOREL, Matheus Farias; PEREIRA, Nathallya Alvino Maia; FERREIRA, Amanda Wikela Sousa; BARROS, Geovana Brito de Freitas; DE SÁ, Maria Clara Calixto; FERREIRA, José Eraldo Viana. FORENSIC ODONTOLOGY IN CARBONIZED BODIES: STRUCTURAL RESILIENCE OF DENTAL EVIDENCE AND EFFECTIVENESS OF PROTOCOLS. LUMEN ET VIRTUS, [S. l.], v. 17, n. 61, p. e13337, 2026. DOI: 10.56238/levv17n61-003. Disponível em: https://periodicos.newsciencepubl.com/LEV/article/view/13337. Acesso em: 7 jun. 2026.