ABSTRACT.
Thermal exposure of hard dental tissues induces predictable physicochemical transformations of the mineral matrix and redistribution of trace elements while preserving diagnostically relevant features even under severe thermal destruction. The stability of apatite structure in enamel and relative preservation of endogenous elemental profiles in internal layers determine the forensic value of trace-element analysis in burned and calcined remains.
Objective – to analyze and systematize data on temperature-dependent changes in trace-element distribution in enamel, dentin, and cementum and to substantiate their diagnostic value for reconstruction of high-temperature exposure conditions.
Materials and Methods. A literature search was conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, and eLIBRARY databases for 2000–2025; studies on experimental heating of teeth and application of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, laser ablation, X-ray fluorescence, and electron-microscopic techniques for analysis of thermally altered tissues were included.
Results. Variations in Ca/P ratios, temperature-related changes in magnesium and zinc concentrations, and relative stability of Sr/Ca and Ba/Ca ratios in internal enamel layers were found to correlate with thermal range and exposure duration. A gradient pattern of elemental redistribution between superficial and deep zones was demonstrated, along with the influence of secondary exogenous deposits under open-flame conditions. High diagnostic performance of laser-ablation mass spectrometry and energy-dispersive microanalysis for layer-by-layer examination was confirmed.
Conclusion. Trace-element distribution in hard dental tissues represents a valuable supplementary forensic criterion in cases involving high-temperature exposure. Integration of elemental analysis with morphological and phase assessment of thermal damage enhances the reliability of temperature reconstruction and expert conclusions.
KEYWORDS: forensic medicine, dentistry, high temperature, trace elements, enamel, dentin, thermal alteration, ICP-MS, laser ablation, X-ray fluorescence.
For citation: Kamalyan A.V. Diagnostic significance of trace element distribution in hard dental tissues under hightemperature exposure. Trace elemets in medicine. 2026;27(3):43−49. DOI: 10.19112/2413-6174-2026-27-3-43-49
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Information about the author:
Ashot V. Kamalyan – Ph.D. (Med.), Senior Research Scientist
E-mail: 9262465066@mail.ru; https://orcid.org/0009-0004-6139-0898; SPIN: 7603-6169
Conflict of interest
The author declare no obvious and potential conflicts of interest related to the publication of this article.