Scanning electron microscopy of incinerated teeth.

The aim of the present scanning electron microscopy study was to document the nature of morphologic changes occurring in human enamel and dentin subjected in vitro to temperatures in the range of 200-1,000 degrees C for variable times. The results of the investigation confirm that human enamel and dentin remain microscopically identifiable after incineration at 1000 degrees C. Furthermore, these tissues remain identifiable after incineration at 1,000 degrees C for periods greater than 3 h. No consistent or reliable differences in morphology could be detected in enamel or mineralized dentin incinerated in the temperature range 200-600 degrees C. Temperature-dependent changes involving the predentin zone were observed. Following incineration at 800 degrees C for over 3 h and at 1,000 degrees C for 3 h, a metamorphosis of enamel and dentin into a globular form was observed.