Cremation changes the human body by the use of heat and flame to fragments of bone and what appears to be ash. Essentially, it's a process of acceleration in that it accomplishes decomposition in a matter of hours instead of the months or years required by traditional burial. The National Funeral Directors Association offers this description of the cremation process: "The casket or container is placed in the cremation chamber, where the temperature is raised to approximately 1400 degrees to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit. After approximately 2 to 2 1/2 hours, all organic matter is consumed by heat or evaporation." Once the process is done, the cooled cremated remains are removed from the cremation chamber or retort. Any metal (such as tooth fillings or surgical implants) is removed using a magnet and disposed of properly. These cremated remains, which are often called ash, are then processed and carefully placed in a temporary container or an urn chosen by the family prior to the cremation.