Teeth Tell the Truth: The Role of DNA and Dental Forensics in Identifying PlAne Crash Victims🔥

 Introduction 

When disaster strikes mid-air, everything can vanish in minutes—except the stories our teeth silently tell. In catastrophic incidents like the Air India AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad, where temperatures reached 1,000°C, traditional identification methods crumble. But teeth, resilient and encrypted with DNA, become the ultimate storytellers.

The Science of DNA in Plain Words 

DNA is your personal barcode, tucked inside nearly every cell. In identification, scientists read this code using STR profiling and compare it to known samples from family or personal items. But when the body is destroyed by heat, finding usable DNA can feel impossible—unless you know where to look.

Why Teeth Matter 

Teeth survive heat, trauma, and decomposition better than soft tissues. Their hard enamel shields the pulp chamber where precious DNA often survives.

Tooth Area	DNA Value	Survivability
Dental Pulp	Rich in nuclear DNA	High, protected by enamel
Root Canal Remnants	Residual tissue possible	Useful in treated teeth
Periodontal Ligament	Connective tissue remains	Sometimes present

Real Case: Ahmedabad Plane Crash 

The plane held 1.25 lakh litres of fuel. On impact, flames soared to 1,000°C. Most bodies were charred beyond recognition. Teeth and bones were collected, cleaned, and processed. DNA was carefully extracted from molars and dense bones, matched with family references. Over 80 victims were identified. In some cases, even a single tooth told the entire story.

Tooth DNA Extraction (Simplified Steps)

1. Tooth Collection – Preferably molars, cleaned and sterilized 

2. Processing – Sectioned or ground to access pulp 

3. Extraction – Treated with lysis buffer and enzymes 

4. DNA Isolation – Purified using chemical or column methods 

5. Amplification – DNA amplified via PCR 

6. Matching– Compared using STR profiles against relatives or belongings

FAQs

Q1: Can DNA survive in fire?

Nuclear DNA usually degrades above 300°C, but mitochondrial DNA in teeth/bones can survive up to 1,000°C.

Q2: Are crowns or root canals a problem?

Not always. Residual soft tissue or root surface may still yield usable DNA.

Q3: What if no family DNA is available?

Items like toothbrushes, razors, or extended family samples may be used for comparison.

Final Thoughts 

Teeth don’t just chew. They preserve, they identify, and—when everything else is gone—they speak. As a forensic odontologist, I help those silent witnesses tell their stories.

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🦷🖊️🔥 

By Dr. Rujul Parikh, B.D.S., M.Sc Forensic Odontology,

Fellowship in Digital Dentistry (American Dental Association Certified)