Research Article | Open Access
EFFECT OF CONCENTRATED AND DILUTE NITRIC ACID ON TOOTH MORPHOLOGY - A FORENSIC STUDY
Revathy.E, V. Vishnu Priya, Abirami Arthanari, Gayathri.R, Kavitha.S, Reshma PK
Pages: 49-57
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Teeth are the hardest substance present in the human body. Hence, it acts as a hint in determining the age and sex in
forensic cases. Acid erosion is otherwise known as dental erosion in the case of teeth. It is the irreversible change in
tooth structure due to chemical dissolution of acid.
AIM To study the effect of concentrated and dilute nitric acid on tooth morphology.
MATERIALS AND METHOD Extracted non-carious teeth ( n = 6 ) were used in the study. The teeth were placed
in 69% concentrated nitric acid and partially diluted nitric acid separately. The samples were taken out at various
intervals like 5 hours and 24 hours. The morphological changes were observed and the teeth were placed back in the
container.
RESULT Statistically significant decrease in buccal and palatal length, mesial, distal, buccal and palatal width was
observed in the teeth placed in both concentrated and dilute nitric acid. The teeth turned yellow, became glossy and
soft after 5 hours of immersion in the acid. By the end of 24 hours the teeth were completely dissolved.
CONCLUSION
Extreme morphological changes were observed when the teeth were placed in concentrated and dilute nitric acid.
The major application of the present study is in forensic odontology.
Keywords
Novel method, Dental erosion, Forensic odontology, Nitric acid, Tooth morphology, Innovative technique.