Forensic age estimation using the eruption of the second permanent mandibular molar: determining age over 14 years-old

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2015

Authors

Marques MR (Author) FMDUP; Pereira ML (Author) FMDUP; Caldas IM (Author) FMDUP

Journal

Title: Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences

Vol. 47 No. 3

Pages: 306-312

ISSN: 0045-0618

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 8 Citations

ISI Web of Science

Scopus - 10 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Medical and Health sciences

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00G-CVV

DOI: 10.1080/00450618.2014.965203

Abstract (EN): Little is known about the role of the second molar eruption in forensic age estimation; however, in countries where the legal age is 14-years-old, it can provide important information. This study aims to analyse whether the eruption stages of the second mandibular molar can be used for forensic age estimation purposes. The eruption stage of the second left mandibular molar was assessed and correlation between age and stage of eruption was evaluated using Spearman rank order correla- tion. A Chi-square test was used to assess the correlation between age equal or superior to 14 and stage C or D attainment. The level of significance was defined as p<0.05. Stage C and D attainment and age 14 were significantly related in both sexes (p<0.001). Still, stage 3 was attained by 37% and 44.4% of the males and females younger than 14 years, respectively; stage 4 was attained by 14.8% and 25.6% of the males and females younger than 14 years, respectively. Second molar emergence, particularly stage D, can be used as a dental age indicator. When stage D is attained, particularly in males, there is strong suggestion of age over 14 years. However, other markers should also be used.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific