What Part of the Body Doesn’t Burn During Cremation? Cremation Process and What Remains

During cremation, most of the body will burn away when the temperature is raised to between 1400 to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit. However, a few parts of the body, including bone fragments, dental fillings, and artificial joints do not burn. After cremation, the remaining bone fragments are ground into a fine powder called cremains and returned to the family.

Duration and Weight

  • It takes about 3-4 hours to burn the body and another 2-3 hours to process the cremains.
  • An average adult body weighs 5-7 pounds after cremation.

Common Misconceptions

  • Bodies do not scream during cremation because pain requires a living brain.
  • Cremation does not completely destroy DNA.

Cultural Practices

In a Hindu cremation, the fire is left to burn itself out with the hope that the skull will explode to release the soul. People may be cremated in their clothing or in sheets.

Timing and Procedure

  • It takes about two weeks on average to cremate a body after death.
  • Only one body can be cremated at a time.
  • Direct cremations typically don’t allow for viewings before the procedure.

After cremation, metal remains are removed and the bone fragments are ground. On average, it takes seven to ten days to return the ashes to the family.

Teeth Resilience

Teeth withstand fire due to the enamel coating which is the hardest substance in the body and resists damage during fires.

Enamel and Structure

  • Enamel withstands high temperatures and protects the inner dentin layer and pulp with nerves and blood vessels.
  • Enamel is made of hydroxyapatite crystals high in minerals, helping teeth to survive intense heat.

Comparative Durability

  • Bones require approximately 1,292°F to burn.
  • Organs, skin, and tissue begin to burn around 300°F.
  • Teeth are resistant to fire within this temperature range and serve as key identifiers in cases of burned body identification.

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