Chronological age estimation of third molar mineralization of Han in southern China

Molar development is widely accepted as a reliable indicator of chronological age in a forensic context. A quantitative method for age estimation has been proposed by Cameriere et al. based on the relationship between chronological age and the third molar maturity index (I3M), which is the ratio between the two apical pulp widths and the total tooth length. Cameriere’s cut off value of 0.08 was found to be a reliable tool in assessing the threshold of 18 years of age. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of the I3M in different ethnic populations focusing on its specificity (subjects correctly classified as <18 years based on I3M >0.08) and sensitivity (subjects correctly classified as ≥18 years based on I3M <0.08). A review of 22 scientific articles was performed, representing data from panoramic radiographs of 12,286 individuals (5723 males and 6563 females) from all over the world, including some ethnical subgroups. The I3M showed an overall sensitivity for both sexes ranging from 51.8% to 93.4% and a specificity ranging from 86.2% to 100%. The proportion of correctly classified individuals ranged from 74% to 95%. These results can be useful to refer the age estimation with the margin of error of subjects correctly classified as minors (specificity) or adults (sensitivity), according to sex, ethnicity and geographical distribution. The I3M can be considered a suitable method for estimating adulthood in forensic settings, regardless of sex. However, ethnic group can affect the accuracy.

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Dental Radiographs for Age Estimation in US Asylum Seekers: Methodological, Ethical, and Health Issues

American Journal of Public Health ◽

10.2105/ajph.2020.305918 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 110 (12) ◽

pp. 1786-1789

Author(s):

Farzana Kapadia ◽

Jacqueline Stevens ◽

Diana Silver

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Age Estimation ◽

Asylum Seekers ◽

Third Molar ◽

The United States ◽

Migrant Children ◽

Chronological Age ◽

X Rays ◽

Health Issues ◽

Dental Radiographs

Unaccompanied migrant children seeking asylum status in the United States are often forced to undergo dental radiographs, or x-rays, to verify that they are younger than 18 years. The application of third molar dental radiographs is methodologically flawed and should not be employed as a determinant of chronological age. Furthermore, the use of such tests without obtaining informed consent from either the youth or an objective advocate is unethical. Finally, the legal and health consequences of these inappropriately applied tests are severe and jeopardize the safety and security of these vulnerable minors.

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Radiographic Evaluation of Developmental Stages of Third Molar in Relation to Chronological Age as Applicability in Forensic Age Estimation

Dentistry ◽

10.4172/2161-1122.s1-002 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol s1 ◽

Author(s):

Arati S Panchabhai

Keyword(s):

Age Estimation ◽

Developmental Stages ◽

Third Molar ◽

Forensic Age Estimation ◽

Chronological Age ◽

Radiographic Evaluation

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Chronological age estimation based on third molar development in a Portuguese population

International Journal of Legal Medicine ◽

10.1007/s00414-010-0531-8 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 125 (2) ◽

pp. 235-243 ◽

Cited By ~ 35

Author(s):

Inês Morais Caldas ◽

Paula Júlio ◽

Ricardo Jorge Simões ◽

Eduarda Matos ◽

Américo Afonso ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Age Estimation ◽

Third Molar ◽

Chronological Age ◽

Portuguese Population

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The Explore of Third Molar for Chronological Age Estimation in Teenagers of Shanghai Han Population

Journal of Forensic Research ◽

10.4172/2157-7145.1000266 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 06 (01) ◽

Author(s):

Ge Fei Shi Guangyou Zhu

Keyword(s):

Age Estimation ◽

Third Molar ◽

Chronological Age ◽

Han Population

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Western Saudi adolescent age estimation utilising third molar development

European Journal of Dentistry ◽

10.4103/1305-7456.137628 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 08 (03) ◽

pp. 296-301 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Amin M. Alshihri ◽

Estie Kruger ◽

Marc Tennant

Keyword(s):

Age Estimation ◽

Developmental Stages ◽

Tooth Development ◽

Third Molar ◽

Chronological Age ◽

Stage Of Development ◽

Large Populations ◽

Males And Females ◽

The Mean ◽

Molar Morphology

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to establish reference data on third molar morphology/development for age estimation in Western Saudi adolescents, between ages 14 and 23 years of old. Materials and Methods: The orthopantomograms of 130 individuals (males and females), were examined, and the stage of third molar development were evaluated. Results: Mean ages, standard deviations, and percentile distributions are presented for each stage of development. The mean estimated age for all participants (n = 130) was 219.7 months, and this differed significantly (P < 0.05) from the mean chronological age (226.5 months). Deviations of predicted age from real age showed 28.5% of all participants had their age estimated within 1 year (±12 months) of their chronological age. Most (43%) had their age underestimated by more than 12 months and the remaining 28.5% had their age overestimated by more than 12 months of their chronological age. Differences in left-right symmetry information of third molars were detected and were higher in the maxilla (92%) than in the mandible (82%). For all molars reaching stage “H” most individuals (males and females) were over the age 18 years of old. Males reach the developmental stages earlier than females. Conclusion: Third molar tooth development can be reliably used to generate mean age and the estimated age range for an individual of unknown chronological age. Further studies with large populations are needed for better statistical results.

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