Skip to main content
Top
Published in: International Journal of Legal Medicine 1/2012

01-01-2012 | Original Article

Chronological course of third molar eruption in a Portuguese population

Authors: Inês Morais Caldas, José Luís Carneiro, Alexandra Teixeira, Eduarda Matos, Américo Afonso, Teresa Magalhães

Published in: International Journal of Legal Medicine | Issue 1/2012

Login to get access

Abstract

Forensic age determination has become increasingly important over the past few years. Dental age estimation is frequently used as a part of this process due to the technique simplicity and reliability. This process is done taking into account pre-established values that, often, concern the population of the undocumented person. In this manner, population parameters are needed. In this paper, the authors present data concerning the third molar eruption in a Portuguese population: The minimum age for alveolar emergence of third molars ranged from 6.6 to 11.3 in females and 7.4 to 8.3 in males, for gingival emergence was 11.1 to 15.1 for females and 8.3 to 14.4 in males and for complete emergence was 15.9 to 19.4 in females and 13.4 for males. Complete emergence was found to be a useful marker for diagnosing age inferior 16 years, both in males and females, with 99.2% and 99.3% of correct predictions, respectively. These findings point out that it is possible to estimate the age of investigated persons based on alveolar, gingival and complete emergence of the third molars in the occlusal plane.
Literature
1.
go back to reference Schmeling A, Reisinger W, Geserick G, Olze A (2006) Age estimation of unaccompanied minors: part I. General considerations. Forensic Sci Int 159(Suppl 1):S61–S64PubMedCrossRef Schmeling A, Reisinger W, Geserick G, Olze A (2006) Age estimation of unaccompanied minors: part I. General considerations. Forensic Sci Int 159(Suppl 1):S61–S64PubMedCrossRef
2.
go back to reference Schmeling A, Olze A, Reisinger W, Rösing FW, Geserick G (2003) Forensic age diagnostics of living individuals in criminal proceedings. Homo 54(2):162–169PubMedCrossRef Schmeling A, Olze A, Reisinger W, Rösing FW, Geserick G (2003) Forensic age diagnostics of living individuals in criminal proceedings. Homo 54(2):162–169PubMedCrossRef
3.
go back to reference Schmeling A, Grundmann C, Fuhrmann A, Kaatsch HJ, Knell B, Ramsthaler F, Reisinger W, Riepert T, Ritz-Timme S, Rösing FW, Rötzscher K, Geserick G (2008) Criteria for age estimation in living individuals. Int J Legal Med 122(6):457–460PubMedCrossRef Schmeling A, Grundmann C, Fuhrmann A, Kaatsch HJ, Knell B, Ramsthaler F, Reisinger W, Riepert T, Ritz-Timme S, Rösing FW, Rötzscher K, Geserick G (2008) Criteria for age estimation in living individuals. Int J Legal Med 122(6):457–460PubMedCrossRef
4.
go back to reference Kellinghaus M, Schulz R, Vieth V, Schmidt S, Schmeling A (2010) Forensic age estimation in living subjects based on the ossification status of the medial clavicular epiphysis as revealed by thin-slice multidetector computed tomography. Int J Legal Med 124:149–154PubMedCrossRef Kellinghaus M, Schulz R, Vieth V, Schmidt S, Schmeling A (2010) Forensic age estimation in living subjects based on the ossification status of the medial clavicular epiphysis as revealed by thin-slice multidetector computed tomography. Int J Legal Med 124:149–154PubMedCrossRef
5.
go back to reference Kellinghaus M, Schulz R, Vieth V, Schmidt S, Pfeifer H, Schmeling A (2010) Enhanced possibilities to make statements on the ossification status of the medial clavicular epiphysis using an amplified staging scheme in evaluating thin-slices CT scans. Int J Legal Med 124:321–325PubMedCrossRef Kellinghaus M, Schulz R, Vieth V, Schmidt S, Pfeifer H, Schmeling A (2010) Enhanced possibilities to make statements on the ossification status of the medial clavicular epiphysis using an amplified staging scheme in evaluating thin-slices CT scans. Int J Legal Med 124:321–325PubMedCrossRef
6.
go back to reference Caldas IM, Júlio P, Simões RJ, Matos E, Afonso A, Magalhães T (2011) Chronological age estimation based on third molar development in a Portuguese population. Int J Legal Med 125(2):235–243PubMedCrossRef Caldas IM, Júlio P, Simões RJ, Matos E, Afonso A, Magalhães T (2011) Chronological age estimation based on third molar development in a Portuguese population. Int J Legal Med 125(2):235–243PubMedCrossRef
7.
go back to reference Olze A, Peschke C, Schulz R, Schmeling A (2008) Studies of the chronological course of wisdom tooth eruption in a German population. J Forensic Leg Med 15:426–429PubMedCrossRef Olze A, Peschke C, Schulz R, Schmeling A (2008) Studies of the chronological course of wisdom tooth eruption in a German population. J Forensic Leg Med 15:426–429PubMedCrossRef
8.
go back to reference Olze A, Solheim T, Schulz R, Kupfer M, Pfeifer H, Schmeling A (2010) Assessment of the radiographic visibility of the periodontal ligament in the lower third molars for the purpose of forensic age estimation in living individuals. Int J Legal Med 124:445–448PubMedCrossRef Olze A, Solheim T, Schulz R, Kupfer M, Pfeifer H, Schmeling A (2010) Assessment of the radiographic visibility of the periodontal ligament in the lower third molars for the purpose of forensic age estimation in living individuals. Int J Legal Med 124:445–448PubMedCrossRef
9.
go back to reference Olze A, Solheim T, Schulz R, Kupfer M, Schmeling A (2010) Evaluation of the radiographic visibility of the root pulp in the lower third molars for the purpose of forensic age estimation in living individuals. Int J Legal Med 124:183–186PubMedCrossRef Olze A, Solheim T, Schulz R, Kupfer M, Schmeling A (2010) Evaluation of the radiographic visibility of the root pulp in the lower third molars for the purpose of forensic age estimation in living individuals. Int J Legal Med 124:183–186PubMedCrossRef
10.
go back to reference Schmeling A, Heinecke A, Pfeiffer H, Schulz R, Kraul V, Olze A, Pynn BR (2010) Dental age estimation based on third molar eruption in First Nation people of Canada. J Forensic Odontostomatol 28(1):E32–E38 Schmeling A, Heinecke A, Pfeiffer H, Schulz R, Kraul V, Olze A, Pynn BR (2010) Dental age estimation based on third molar eruption in First Nation people of Canada. J Forensic Odontostomatol 28(1):E32–E38
11.
go back to reference Olze A, Ishikawa T, Zhu BL, Schulz R, Heinecke A, Maeda H, Schmeling A (2008) Studies of the chronological course of wisdom tooth eruption in a Japanese population. Forensic Sci Int 174(2–3):203–206PubMedCrossRef Olze A, Ishikawa T, Zhu BL, Schulz R, Heinecke A, Maeda H, Schmeling A (2008) Studies of the chronological course of wisdom tooth eruption in a Japanese population. Forensic Sci Int 174(2–3):203–206PubMedCrossRef
12.
go back to reference Olze A, van Niekerk P, Schulz R, Schmeling A (2007) Studies of the chronological course of wisdom tooth eruption in a Black African population. J Forensic Sci 52(5):1161–1163PubMedCrossRef Olze A, van Niekerk P, Schulz R, Schmeling A (2007) Studies of the chronological course of wisdom tooth eruption in a Black African population. J Forensic Sci 52(5):1161–1163PubMedCrossRef
13.
go back to reference Olze A, van Niekerk P, Ishikawa T, Zhu BL, Schulz R, Maeda H, Schmeling A (2007) Comparative study on the effect of ethnicity on wisdom tooth eruption. Int J Legal Med 121(6):45–448CrossRef Olze A, van Niekerk P, Ishikawa T, Zhu BL, Schulz R, Maeda H, Schmeling A (2007) Comparative study on the effect of ethnicity on wisdom tooth eruption. Int J Legal Med 121(6):45–448CrossRef
14.
go back to reference Gay Escoda C, Rosa Gay C (1999) Dientes incluidos e impactados. Possibilidades terapéuticas ante una inclusión dentaria. In: Gay Escoda C, Berini Aytés L (eds) Cirugía bucal. ERGON, Madrid, pp 353–354 Gay Escoda C, Rosa Gay C (1999) Dientes incluidos e impactados. Possibilidades terapéuticas ante una inclusión dentaria. In: Gay Escoda C, Berini Aytés L (eds) Cirugía bucal. ERGON, Madrid, pp 353–354
15.
go back to reference Garamendi PM, Landa MI, Ballesteros J, Solano MA (2005) Reliability of the methods applied to assess age minority in living subjects around 18 years old. A survey on a Moroccan origin population. Forensic Sci Int 154(1):3–12PubMedCrossRef Garamendi PM, Landa MI, Ballesteros J, Solano MA (2005) Reliability of the methods applied to assess age minority in living subjects around 18 years old. A survey on a Moroccan origin population. Forensic Sci Int 154(1):3–12PubMedCrossRef
16.
go back to reference Calonius PE, Lunin M, Stout F (1970) Histologic criteria for age estimation of the developing human dentition. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol 29(6):869–876PubMedCrossRef Calonius PE, Lunin M, Stout F (1970) Histologic criteria for age estimation of the developing human dentition. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol 29(6):869–876PubMedCrossRef
17.
go back to reference Ashley KF (1970) Identification of children in a mass disaster by estimation of dental age. Br Dent J 129(4):167–169PubMedCrossRef Ashley KF (1970) Identification of children in a mass disaster by estimation of dental age. Br Dent J 129(4):167–169PubMedCrossRef
18.
go back to reference Liversidge HM, Chaillet N, Mörnstad H, Nyström M, Rowlings K, Taylor J, Willems G (2006) Timing of Demirjian’s tooth formation stages. Ann Hum Biol 33(4):457–470CrossRef Liversidge HM, Chaillet N, Mörnstad H, Nyström M, Rowlings K, Taylor J, Willems G (2006) Timing of Demirjian’s tooth formation stages. Ann Hum Biol 33(4):457–470CrossRef
20.
go back to reference Martin-de las Heras S, García-Fortea P, Ortega A, Zodocovich S, Valenzuela A (2008) Third molar development according to chronological age in populations from Spanish and Magrebian origin. Forensic Sci Int 174(1):47–53PubMedCrossRef Martin-de las Heras S, García-Fortea P, Ortega A, Zodocovich S, Valenzuela A (2008) Third molar development according to chronological age in populations from Spanish and Magrebian origin. Forensic Sci Int 174(1):47–53PubMedCrossRef
21.
go back to reference Prieto JL, Barbería E, Ortega R, Magaña C (2005) Evaluation of chronological age based on third molar development in the Spanish population. Int J Legal Med 119(6):349–354PubMedCrossRef Prieto JL, Barbería E, Ortega R, Magaña C (2005) Evaluation of chronological age based on third molar development in the Spanish population. Int J Legal Med 119(6):349–354PubMedCrossRef
22.
go back to reference Orhan K, Ozer L, Orhan AI, Dogan S, Paksoy CS (2007) Radiographic evaluation of third molar development in relation to chronological age among Turkish children and youth. Forensic Sci Int 165(1):46–51PubMedCrossRef Orhan K, Ozer L, Orhan AI, Dogan S, Paksoy CS (2007) Radiographic evaluation of third molar development in relation to chronological age among Turkish children and youth. Forensic Sci Int 165(1):46–51PubMedCrossRef
23.
go back to reference Sisman Y, Uysal T, Yagmur F, Ramoglu SI (2007) Third-molar development in relation to chronologic age in Turkish children and young adults. Angle Orthod 77(6):1040–1045PubMedCrossRef Sisman Y, Uysal T, Yagmur F, Ramoglu SI (2007) Third-molar development in relation to chronologic age in Turkish children and young adults. Angle Orthod 77(6):1040–1045PubMedCrossRef
24.
go back to reference Solari AC, Abramovitch K (2002) The accuracy and precision of third molar development as an indicator of chronological age in Hispanics. J Forensic Sci 47(3):531–535PubMed Solari AC, Abramovitch K (2002) The accuracy and precision of third molar development as an indicator of chronological age in Hispanics. J Forensic Sci 47(3):531–535PubMed
25.
go back to reference Mesotten K, Gunst K, Carbonez A, Willems G (2002) Dental age estimation and third molars: a preliminary study. Forensic Sci Int 129(2):110–115PubMedCrossRef Mesotten K, Gunst K, Carbonez A, Willems G (2002) Dental age estimation and third molars: a preliminary study. Forensic Sci Int 129(2):110–115PubMedCrossRef
26.
go back to reference Woelfel JB (1997) Dental anatomy. Its relevance to dentistry. Williams and Wilkins, Baltimore Woelfel JB (1997) Dental anatomy. Its relevance to dentistry. Williams and Wilkins, Baltimore
27.
go back to reference Thevissen PW, Alqerban A, Asaumi J, Kahveci F, Kaur J, Kim YK, Pittayapat P, Van Vlierberghe M, Zhang Y, Fieuws S, Willems G (2010) Human dental age estimation using third molar developmental stages: accuracy of age predictions not using country-specific information. Forensic Sci Int 201(1–3):106–111PubMedCrossRef Thevissen PW, Alqerban A, Asaumi J, Kahveci F, Kaur J, Kim YK, Pittayapat P, Van Vlierberghe M, Zhang Y, Fieuws S, Willems G (2010) Human dental age estimation using third molar developmental stages: accuracy of age predictions not using country-specific information. Forensic Sci Int 201(1–3):106–111PubMedCrossRef
Metadata
Title
Chronological course of third molar eruption in a Portuguese population
Authors
Inês Morais Caldas
José Luís Carneiro
Alexandra Teixeira
Eduarda Matos
Américo Afonso
Teresa Magalhães
Publication date
01-01-2012
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
International Journal of Legal Medicine / Issue 1/2012
Print ISSN: 0937-9827
Electronic ISSN: 1437-1596
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00414-011-0600-7

Other articles of this Issue 1/2012

International Journal of Legal Medicine 1/2012 Go to the issue

Editorial

Editorial