Age estimation by determination of the stages of third molar development using Kullman's method

Abstract

Determination of dental age in a living person is also equally important to know his /her age where there is no birth record available for legal purposes.The present study involves the radiographic examination of mandibular 3rd molar on digital Panoramic X-Ray. The radiograph of each subject was then interpreted following the guidelines suggested by Kullman et al (1992) for age estimation based on their developmental stage and root length of mandibular third molar. This study concluded that the developmental stages of root of mandibular third molar gives fairly accurate results and can be considered for the age estimation with the methodology suggested by Kullman et al.