Imaging Sci Dent.  2013 Mar;43(1):1-6. 10.5624/isd.2013.43.1.1.

The chronology of second molar development in Brazilians and its application to forensic age estimation

• Almeida MS
• Pontual AD
• Beltrao RT
• Beltrao RV
• Pontual ML

• KMID: 2167440
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5624/isd.2013.43.1.1

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study investigated the possible correlation between the mineralization of the second molars and the chronological age of a sample population of the state of Paraiba, Brazil.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
One thousand eight hundred fifty-four digitized panoramic images using a scanner of a private dental radiology service were obtained in six months. Of these, 457 were selected from patients aged 4.6 to 16 years who met certain criteria. The images were assessed twice by a radiologist with 5 years experience. A minimum interval of 30 days between the evaluations of the same patient was established. To analyze the relationship between chronological age, calcification level proposed by Demirjian et al in 1973, gender, and tooth, a multiple linear regression model was adjusted, taking age as the response variable (p<0.05).
RESULTS
The gender and calcification level were significantly correlated with the age of the patients (p<0.05). There was a significant difference between the average age of the patients' upper teeth compared to the lower ones in both genders (p<0.05). The dental development occurred earlier in female individuals than in male ones, and there was no significant difference between the right and left second permanent molars.
CONCLUSION
It was observed that ethnic variables are related to certain parameters of age and sex identification in the Brazilian population, providing important information for forensic evaluations.

Keyword

Tooth Calcification; Molar; Age Determination by Teeth; Radiography, Panoramic

MeSH Terms

Age Determination by Teeth
Aged
Female
Humans
Linear Models
Male
Molar
Radiography, Panoramic
Tooth
Tooth Calcification

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Classification of the degree of mineralization of molar teeth according to Demirjian et al3

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  Fig. 2 Representation of a linear regression model for predicting the age by gender, upper second molars, and Demirjian's stage of calcification

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  Fig. 3 Representation of a linear regression model for predicting the age by gender, lower second molars, and Demirjian's stage of calcification

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