Cremation is a widely chosen option for the disposition of human remains. As interest grows, questions arise about the body’s transformation during this procedure. A frequent inquiry concerns what happens to teeth when exposed to a crematorium’s extreme temperatures. Understanding the science of cremation and dental structures clarifies these common curiosities.
The Cremation Process and Tooth Behavior
Cremation facilities operate at very high temperatures, typically 1,400 to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit (760 to 982 degrees Celsius). This heat reduces organic matter to bone fragments. Natural teeth are primarily composed of hydroxyapatite, a durable calcium phosphate mineral, which is also the main component of bone.
Teeth do not “burn” like organic materials combust and turn to ash. Instead, high temperatures cause them to undergo significant physical changes. Organic components like collagen are consumed by the heat, leading to dehydration. This process causes the tooth structure to become brittle, leading to fracturing and sometimes disintegration.
What Becomes of Teeth in Cremains
After cremation, teeth often remain as fragile fragments alongside other bone fragments. These are not the fine, powdery “ashes” commonly associated with cremated remains.
To achieve the fine, sand-like texture of cremains, these bone and tooth fragments undergo a pulverization process. This reduction occurs in a specialized machine known as a cremulator. The cremulator grinds the remaining fragments, including tooth remnants, into a consistent, granular substance. Consequently, individual teeth are not typically identifiable as whole structures in the final cremated remains, though their mineral components are present.
The Fate of Dental Restorations
Dental restorations like fillings, crowns, and implants react differently to high cremation temperatures based on their material composition. Gold and other noble metal restorations, found in fillings, crowns, and bridges, have high melting points. They typically melt during cremation but solidify into small beads or fragments as they cool. These metal remnants are usually separated from the cremated remains.
Porcelain and ceramic materials, used in crowns and veneers, shatter and fragment due to thermal shock. Amalgam (silver) fillings, containing mercury, vaporize at cremation temperatures, releasing mercury into the atmosphere.
Titanium implants are highly resistant to heat and generally remain intact, though they may become discolored. These implants are typically removed from the remains and often recycled.