The chronology of second molar development in Brazilians and its application to forensic age estimation

Abstract

PurposeThis study investigated the possible correlation between the mineralization of the second molars and the chronological age of a sample population of the state of Paraiba, Brazil.Materials and MethodsOne thousand eight hundred fifty-four digitized panoramic images using a scanner of a private dental radiology service were obtained in six months. Of these, 457 were selected from patients aged 4.6 to 16 years who met certain criteria. The images were assessed twice by a radiologist with 5 years experience. A minimum interval of 30 days between the evaluations of the same patient was established. To analyze the relationship between chronological age, calcification level proposed by Demirjian et al in 1973, gender, and tooth, a multiple linear regression model was adjusted, taking age as the response variable (p<0.05).ResultsThe gender and calcification level were significantly correlated with the age of the patients (p<0.05). There was a significant difference between the average age of the patients' upper teeth compared to the lower ones in both genders (p<0.05). The dental development occurred earlier in female individuals than in male ones, and there was no significant difference between the right and left second permanent molars.ConclusionIt was observed that ethnic variables are related to certain parameters of age and sex identification in the Brazilian population, providing important information for forensic evaluations.

Predictive Value of Dental Maturity for a Positive Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Stimulation Test Result in Girls with Precocious Puberty

“…The characteristics of each stages according to Demirjian index (DI) (Fig. 1) were as follows (23): (A) Calcification of the occlusal points without fusion can be observed; (B) Fusion of the calcified points forms the occlusal surface; (C) Enamel formation at the occlusal surface is complete, dentin formation is observed, the pulp chamber has a curved shape, and no pulp horns are visible; (D) Crown formation is complete to the level of cemento-enamel junction, root formation is observed, the pulp horns are visible, and the walls of the pulp chamber are curved to the cervical region; (E) The walls of the pulp chamber are straight, the root length is less than the crown height, and radicular bifurcation is observed in the molar; (F) The walls of the pulp chamber form an isosceles triangle and the apex ends in a funnel shape, the root length is equal to or longer than the crown height, bifurcation has developed to give the roots a more definite form; (G) The walls of the root canal are parallel and its apical end is partially open; and (H) The apical end of the root canal is complete and the periodontal membrane is distinct. A dental radiologist (JWC) interpreted the panoramic radiographs of the mandibular second premolar and molar as one of 8 stages (A to H).…”

Development of dental charts according to tooth development and eruption for Turkish children and young adults

“…In these studies, tables for dental age estimation were formed according to mineralization stages and eruption positions in various age groups. These techniques were specific to the populations in which they were developed and might be misleading for other populations 4,5. In two of the early studies, it was reported that the Demirjian technique, which was developed on the basis of French-Canadian children, considerably overestimated the dental age for Turkish children 6,7.…”

Yaş Tahmininde Diş Gelişim Atlasının Yeri ve Önemi

“…Şu ana kadar dişlerin gelişim ve sürme aşamaları üzerine yapılan pek çok çalışmada popülasyonlar arasında kayda değer ölçüde varyasyon olduğu vurgulanmıştır (2,3,5,9,(12)(13)(14)(15)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26). Dolayısıyla bu tür atlasların hangi toplum için oluşturulmuş ise o topluma spesifik olduğu ve en iyi sonuçları vereceği akıldan çıkarılmamalıdır.…”

“…Bugüne kadar bu iki kritere dayandırılan ve değişik doğruluk oranlarında yaş tahminine imkân veren pek çok teknik geliştirilmiştir (1). Bu tekniklerin çoğu popülasyonlara özgüdür ve diğer popülasyonlarda kullanımı hatalı tahminlere yol açabilir (2,3). Güvenilirliği kanıtlanmış tekniklerin farklı etnik popülasyonlarda kullanımı için validasyon çalışmalarının yapılması gereklidir (4).…”