Age estimation by teeth periodontosis and transparency: accuracy of Lamendin’s method on a Brazilian sample

• Main Authors: Juliana Ribeiro Lopes, Simone Borges Braga dos Santos Queiroz, Mário Marques Fernandes, Luiz Airton Saavedra de Paiva, Rogério Nogueira de Oliveira
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Universidade Estadual de Campinas 2015-10-01
• Series: Brazilian Journal of Oral Sciences
• Subjects: Forensic anthropology; Age determination by teeth; Forensic dentistry
• Online Access: https://periodicos.sbu.unicamp.br/ojs/index.php/bjos/article/view/8640924

Aim: To apply the Lamendin et al. (1992) technique on a Brazilian sample to assess its accuracy on this specific population. Methods: The authors present two measurements in single-rooted teeth: the peridontosis and transparency of the root. Then, these variables are inserted in an equation to estimate the individual’s age. The sample comprised 49 teeth obtained from the collection of the Forensic Medicine Institute of Guarulhos, Brazil. Statistical analysis was performed with t and paired t tests, comparing chronological and estimated ages. Results: It was possible adjust the original formula for Brazilians by linear regression analysis: A = (P x 0.18) + (T x 0.47) + 31.77. Where, A = age; P = (periodontosis height x 100)/root height; and T = (transparency height x 100)/root height. Conclusions: The method is accurate only for young adults but it could be used with caution in individuals between 45 and 60 years of age to assist in estimating an age range. However, the technique loses its efficacy in older individuals.