Questions About The Cremation Process? Informative Answers For A Better Understanding

Although a traditional funeral service followed by interment continues to be the most popular end-of-life choice, the number of people who chose cremation has also grown substantially over the past few decades. Yet, many people may still be avoiding the use of cremation because they lack information about the process.

If you are interested in cremation but need to know more about the process before you are comfortable choosing it as your part of your final needs plan, this information may be helpful in answering some of your questions. 

What is direct cremation? 

Cremations are handled in a variety of ways to accommodate the wishes of the deceased and their family. If a viewing is to be done before the body is cremated, it is prepared in much the same way as it would be for a traditional funeral service, including wardrobe, cosmetology services, and embalming. 

If no viewing is desired, the deceased or their family may choose a direct cremation process. In a direct cremation, the body enters the cremation chamber as it was at the time of death. For example, if death occurred in a car accident and a direct cremation was desired, the body would enter the cremation chamber dressed in the clothing worn at the time of the accident. 

What is left after the cremation process is complete? 

Fictional television shows and movies have led many to believe that teeth and other materials remain at the end of the cremation process. In reality, very few fragments of teeth or bone remain. If the deceased had undergone a joint replacement or surgery that included the use of titanium joints or screws, those materials can survive the cremation process and will be manually removed before the ashes are processed and placed into an urn or container.

If the deceased wore jewelry at the time of their death, these items can be removed before the cremation process begins, per the instructions of the deceased or their family.  

Is it possible to observe the cremation of a loved one? 

It is possible to observe the cremation of a loved one, but only a portion of it. A complete cremation process takes several hours to complete. Because of this, most viewings are limited to the initial part of the process when the body is placed into the cremation chamber. 

Cremations can be more affordable and offer more flexibility in scheduling than traditional funeral services. If you have additional questions about the cremation process, reach out to a local funeral home, like Morris Nilsen Funeral Chapel.