ABSTRACT
The main criterion for dental age estimation in living adolescents and young adults is mineralization of third molars. A total of 1,260 orthopantomograms of 669 female and 591 male subjects aged between 15 and 22 years was examined. Of the orthopantomograms, 1,137 were from patients with Swiss citizenship and 123 were from other European countries. The mineralization status of lower third molars was evaluated based on Demirjian's classification of stages. For the statistical assessment of data, logistic regression and mean value testing were used. The findings show that completed growth in wisdom teeth is observable at ages less than 18. Male individuals were approximately 1 year ahead of females at stage H, and South East Europeans were approximately 6 months ahead of Swiss (Central Europe) at stage H. Mean values led to false conclusions regarding the question of the attained age of 18. Therefore, regression analysis should be used for the statistical assessment of data in dental age diagnostics.
Subject(s)
Age Determination by Teeth/methods , Mandible/diagnostic imaging , Molar, Third/diagnostic imaging , Adolescent , Europe , Female , Forensic Dentistry/methods , Humans , Male , Radiography, Panoramic , Regression Analysis , Sex Factors , Tooth Calcification , Young AdultSubject(s)
Confidentiality/legislation & jurisprudence , Forensic Anthropology/legislation & jurisprudence , Forensic Dentistry/legislation & jurisprudence , Autopsy/legislation & jurisprudence , Autopsy/methods , Documentation , Forensic Anthropology/methods , Forensic Dentistry/methods , Germany , Humans , SwitzerlandSubject(s)
Forensic Dentistry , Homicide , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Radiography, Bitewing , Switzerland , Tooth/pathologySubject(s)
Forensic Dentistry , Homicide , Adult , Age Determination by Teeth , Autopsy , Crowns , Dental Amalgam , Female , Humans , Radiography, Dental , SwitzerlandABSTRACT
This paper presents updated recommendations of the Study Group on Forensic Age Diagnostics for age estimations in living individuals in criminal proceedings. In order to increase the diagnostic accuracy and to improve the identification of age-relevant developmental disorders, a physical examination, an X-ray examination of the left hand, as well as a dental examination including the determination of the dental status and an X-ray of the dentition should be performed in each case. If the skeletal development of the hand is completed, an additional radiological examination of the clavicles should be carried out. Minimum requirements for reference studies are defined and recommendable studies are listed. Instructions for the examination and the preparation of expert reports are presented. The committee of the study group organizes annual proficiency tests for quality assurance.