Age Estimation of Adolescents and Young Adults based on Development of Mandibular Third Molars: A Panoramic Study

• Main Authors: Pradhuman Verma, Jatindra Sachdeo, Kanika Gupta Verma, Som Datt Gupta, Guruprasad
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2011-01-01
• Series: Journal of Indian Academy of Oral Medicine and Radiology
• Subjects: Demirjian classification; Panoramic radiographs; Mandibular third molars; Forensic science.
• Online Access: http://www.jiaomr.in/article.asp?issn=0972-1363;year=2011;volume=23;issue=1;spage=9;epage=13;aulast=Verma;type=0

The present study was carried out to estimate the age of adolescent and young adults based on Demirjian et al classification for the development of mandibular third molars using panoramic radiographs to compare dental age with chronological age and its evaluation for medicolegal purposes. The study consisted of 220 subjects with age ranging from 14 to 24 years, equally divided in 11 groups (n = 20, males and females). Panoramic radiographs were taken and graded for tight and left mandibular third molars by using Demirjian et al eight staged system (A to H and 0 for missing tooth), and data was analyzed using SPSS 13.00 package for Windows XP. Results indicated that males show early development of mandibular third molars as compared to females showing sexual dimorphism. The earlier stages in teeth development (D, E and F) indicates that the person is younger than 18 years, falling under juvenile legislation: stages G and H indicates that the person has reached 18 or more and considered as an adult in Indian law. The described data may provide references for district Sangrur of Punjab population for the purpose of forensic investigation but further studies are required to substantiate its usefulness.