Cremation is the process of reducing a deceased person’s corpse to ashes by burning it. What happens to the teeth during cremation is a common concern. While some misconceptions contend that teeth could melt during the process, others contend that they would stay in tact. We shall examine the facts underlying these myths in this post.
First off, it’s critical to comprehend that teeth are composed of a variety of substances, including cementum, dentin, and enamel. These substances respond to heat in various ways and have various melting points. The toughest material in the human body, enamel, which makes up the top layer of teeth, has a melting point of about 2,912°F (1,600°C). The principal substance that constitutes the majority of a tooth, dentin, has a melting point of around 2,372°F (1,300°C). The melting point of cement, which covers the tooth roots, is approximately 1,292°F (700°C).
The body is exposed to temperatures between 1,400°F and 1,800°F (760°C and 982°C) for two to three hours throughout the cremation process. The body’s flesh and bones are converted to ashes at these extreme temperatures. However, the technique does not always result in melting teeth. Instead, they go through a process known as calcination that converts organic and inorganic material into ash.
The pulp, nerves, and blood arteries in the teeth are entirely burnt away during the calcination process. Enamel, dentin, and cementum are among the inorganic components that are converted to a powdery residue that resembles ash. The final remains are then created by gathering and processing this stuff.
In summary, teeth do not dissolve when they are cremated. As an alternative, they go through a process called calcination that turns the organic and inorganic components into ash. The teeth may not have survived the process intact, but they are still visible in the final remains. It is crucial to remember that cremation is a strictly controlled procedure that is closely inspected to guarantee that the remains are handled with respect and dignity.