The A.B.F.O. Study of Third Molar Development and Its Use as an Estimator of Chronological Age

Abstract

Radiographs depicting third molars (M3s) have been used to estimate chronological age in juvenile and adult suspects, but accuracy of the method has been in question. This study provides age benchmarks for American whites (age range: 14 to 24 years) based on cases (n = 823) drawn from diplomates of the American Board of Forensic Odontologists in the United States and Canada. Maxillary M3 formation was slightly advanced over mandibular M3s, and root formation occurred earlier in males than females. Mean and median ages for M3 formation are tabled using Demirjian's eight-grade classification. Regression formulas and empirical probabilities are provided relative to the medicolegal question of whether an individual is at least 18 years of age. The M3 is the most variable tooth in the dentition, but situations arise where M3 formation is the only usable datum for age estimation.

Dental age diagnostics by means of radiographical evaluation of the growth stages of lower wisdom teeth

“…Based on the recommendations of the Study Group on Forensic Age Diagnostics [18,19], the forensic age estimation of living people included a physical examination, an X-ray of the left hand, and a dental examination. An important criterion in the dental examination is wisdom tooth root growth [1,4,8,13,15].…”

Three cases of feet and hand amputation from Medieval Estremoz, Portugal

“…Age at death estimation was obtained following the recommendations of Işcan et al (1984), Mincer et al (1993), Scheuer and Black (2000), and Coqueugniot and Weaver (2007). The protocol for morphological sex estimation followed standard osteological techniques recommended by Buikstra and Ubelaker (1994).…”

“…Third molar root apices were still open (Mincer et al, 1993), the distal epiphyses of the ulna and radius were not completely fused, and the distal epiphyseal line of the fibulae was also visible. Ossification stage of the sternal end of the clavicle suggests an age below 25 years old (Scheuer and Black, 2000;Coqueugniot and Weaver, 2007).…”

“…Age at death indicators, such as sternal end of the 4th rib, non-fusion of the first sacral vertebra (S1-S2), fusion of the iliac crest, closed apices of 3rd molar roots (Mincer et al, 1993), point to an age at death between 25 and 35 years old. This young male had a stature of approximately 171 ± 5.4 cm.…”

Age determination in asylum seekers: physicians should not be implicated

“…As dental development is in most cases not finished at 18 years, it cannot be used to differentiate between ages below or above 18 years. The third molars might develop up to the age of 30 years [11]. Using third molar development for age determination is hampered by a large standard deviation in the normal development and by possible ethnic differences in maturation.…”