Resumo

SPADACIO, Célio et al. Analysis of the behavior of silver amalgam subjected to heat and its importance for fire victim identification. RGO, Rev. gaúch. odontol. (Online) [online]. 2011, vol.59, n.1, pp. 41-44. ISSN 1981-8637.

OBJECTIVE: This study verified the macroscopic changes that occur in capsulated and conventional restorations submitted to high temperatures and discussed the importance of these changes for fire victim identification processes. METHODS: A total of 48 human teeth were analyzed. They were obtained from the municipal graveyard São Gonçalo in Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, filled with dental amalgam and subjected to high temperatures ranging from 100ºC to 1200ºC to study the changes that occur in this material. RESULTS: Conventional amalgam restorations darkened and pulverized at 300ºC and roasting began at 800ºC. Meanwhile, capsulated amalgam darkened at 400ºC, pulverized at 500ºC and became silvery again at 1200ºC, when roasting began. CONCLUSION: Heat darkened the color, pulverized the structure and roasted amalgam restorations. This may help in the comparison of dental records of fire victims.

Palavras-chave : Victims identification; Dental materials; Forensic dentistry.