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Radiopaque Images Resembling Obturated Root Canals ,
Author(s) -
Shiroma Calvin Y.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
journal of forensic sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.715
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1556-4029
pISSN - 0022-1198
DOI - 10.1111/1556-4029.13450
Subject(s) - root canal , dentistry , endodontics , forensic odontology , gutta percha , artifact (error) , polychrome , radiography , calcium hydroxide , materials science , medicine , orthodontics , archaeology , radiology , computer science , engineering , chemical engineering , computer vision , history
The practice of endodontics, while not as common as today, was performed during the WWII era. Some of the materials used to fill canals during this time period include gutta‐percha, calcium hydroxide, gold foil, and silver points. In this case study, fissures and fractures were present on the exposed root surfaces of the dental remains. Radiographs of the dental remains revealed canal systems similar to those obturated with a paste or semi‐solid material. The root surface defects appear to be the access point for the radiopaque material. As demonstrated in the case presentation, the radiographic image suggestive of a treated canal may easily mislead the analyst. The analyst should be suspicious of a radiopaque artifact if no evidence of access is apparent and fissures/fractures are present on the root surfaces. The defects in the tooth structure may possibly be explained by the exposure to a wet or damp environment.