Analysis of intraoral 3D imaging following high-temperature conditions: a forensic model based on porcine mandibles

Background The identification of severely burned victims remains a major challenge in forensic practice due to heat-induced destruction of soft tissues and degradation of biological material, particularly DNA. Because of their high resistance to extreme temperatures, teeth remain one of the most reliable sources of forensic identification. Recent advances in 3D intraoral imaging have enabled accurate, non-destructive, and reproducible comparisons between antemortem and postmortem data. However, the effect of high temperatures on dental morphological traits used for forensic identification remains insufficiently investigated. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the preservation of these traits after thermal exposure using human teeth inserted into porcine mandibles. Specimens were documented by high-resolution 3D scanning before and after controlled combustion (approximately 600 °C for 20 min), followed by comparative morphological analysis. Results Consistent thermal alterations were observed after combustion, including crown discoloration, enamel fissuring, surface roughness, carbonization, and increased structural fragility. Nevertheless, the overall morphology of the crowns and several individual anatomical features remained identifiable and comparable between pre- and post-thermal 3D scans, despite significant thermal stress. Teeth surrounded by soft tissue, with or without adjacent bone, exhibited comparatively limited thermal damage, consistent with an insulating effect of adjacent biological tissues. Conclusion Three-dimensional intraoral imaging showed the ability to document and compare dental morphological features that remained identifiable after exposure to high temperatures in this experimental model. These findings suggest that 3D intraoral imaging may represent a useful adjunctive tool for forensic human identification in fire-related scenarios when dental structures remain sufficiently preserved. However, these results should be interpreted within the limitations of this pilot study, and further research including larger sample sizes, different temperatures, and longer exposure times is required to confirm the forensic applicability of this approach.