Orthopantomographic Evaluation of Canine and First Premolar Using Demirjian’s Stages in Central India: New Approach to Forensic Age Estimation

Abstract

Teeth development is widely used for age estimation in forensic science. The aims of this study were as follows: first, to establish Indian data on canine and first premolar development for age estimation and second, to investigate population differences in teeth development. Orthopantomograms of 340 Indian children aged between 5 and 14 years were analyzed. Demirjian's stages were recorded for the developmental evaluation of canine and first premolar and for further descriptive statistical analysis. A two-way ANOVA was performed to test the significance of difference in teeth development by sex and stage. A one-way ANOVA was performed to investigate population differences in teeth development. Results showed statistically significant differences in teeth development by sex and stage. Accordingly, teeth development was earlier in girls. No statistically significant differences were observed in timings of Demirjian's stages among different populations. In conclusion, the findings of this study could be used for age estimation of Indian children.

Applicability of Demirjian’s Method and Modified Cameriere’s Methods for Dental Age Assessment in Children

“…Dental age, skeletal age, morphological features, and sexual development were the most routinely used maturity indicators for estimating age in subadults [1]. Stage of tooth eruption or stage of tooth formation helps us to determine the dental maturity of an individual more accurately [5].…”

“…There is an expanding interest by the courts for proper estimation of age in living people, associated with being minors without legitimate documentation of age in criminal cases, appropriations, asylum seekers, refugees, and immigrants. Different strategies have been utilized to estimate age for medicolegal purposes; however, the radiological assessment of dental age is considered as the most precise strategy [1].…”