Debunking Myths: Do Teeth Turn into Ashes During Cremation?
Often, misconceptions around the cremation process can lead to unnecessary worry, particularly when it comes to the fate of teeth. Many people believe that their teeth will turn into ashes and be included in the final remains, but this is not the case. In reality, the teeth remain intact and separate from the bone ash. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you understand what happens to the teeth and other parts of the body during the cremation process.
The Cremation Process: Breaking Down the Steps
The cremation process involves several steps to ensure that the body is fully reduced to bone ash. The process is scientifically designed to respect and handle the remains with due care and appropriate regard.
Step 1: Preparation of the Body
Before the actual cremation, the body goes through a meticulous preparation process. Any metal objects such as jewelry, dentures, or pacemakers are removed as they may cause damage to the cremation chamber or pose a potential health risk. While these objects are removed, they are often recovered and returned to the family, ensuring that all personal items are accounted for.
Step 2: The Cremation Chamber
The body, along with a wood lightweight casket, is placed into a steel cremation chamber. The chamber is sealed and heated to extremely high temperatures, typically between 1600°F to 1900°F (870°C to 1038°C), allowing the body to break down over the course of several hours. At these high temperatures, the majority of the soft tissues decompose, leaving only the bones and certain inorganic materials.
The Survival of Teeth During Cremation
One of the most common misconceptions is whether teeth turn into ashes during cremation. The truth is, teeth do not burn or turn into ashes and remain intact. This is due to the fact that teeth are composed primarily of calcium and phosphorus, which have a much higher melting point than the materials that make up the soft tissues of the body.
Why Teeth Do Not Burn
Teeth are typically made of enamel and dentin, with enamel being the hardest substance in the human body. Enamel has a melting point of around 2400°F (1315°C), which is significantly higher than the temperatures used in cremation. Therefore, even at the highest temperatures used, teeth do not burn or turn into ashes; they remain as they are, separate from the bone ash.
What Happens to Teeth After Cremation?
During the cremation process, the remaining bone fragments are scooped out of the cremation chamber. These fragments are then processed through a machine called a bone ram or a bone chipper to reduce them to a fine grained material known as bone ash. The teeth, still in their natural state, are not part of this grinding process. Typically, in cases where a dental prosthesis such as dentures are present, they are not impacted by the grinding process and are removed after the cremation is completed.
Comprehensive Handling of Teeth and Other Remains
Once the cremation process is over, the surviving family members are provided with a container containing the bone ash. But did you know that the teeth and any other remains, such as pacemakers, are also provided to the family? These items are typically categorized and returned separately, allowing the family to make their own arrangements, such as keeping the teeth in a personal memorial or incorporating them into a keepsake.
Conservation and Potential Uses for Teeth
The preservation of teeth after cremation is significant for several reasons. They can be used to create a dental memorial, such as a necklace, or even for research purposes. Given their composition and hardness, teeth can be used in various innovative ways, including artistic endeavors or even as a source of minerals.
Conclusion: Understanding Cremation and Its Processes
In conclusion, the cremation process is a well-regulated process designed to honor and respect the deceased. Teeth do not turn into ashes but remain as intact, valuable remains. Understanding the actual process can help alleviate any concerns and provide a clearer picture of what happens during cremation.
FAQs
1. Are metal objects in the body affected during cremation?
--> Metal objects such as pacemakers or dental implants are not burned. They are typically removed before cremation and returned to the family.
2. Can the cremated remains be stored in a specific way?
--> Yes, the bone ash can be stored in a variety of ways, such as a cremation urn, kept in a special chest, or even spread across a place of significance.
3. Is DNA testing possible after cremation?
--> Yes, DNA testing can be performed on the bone ash to confirm the identity of the deceased, although the process becomes more complex if there is already decomposition.