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Open Access 11-05-2024 | Orthopantomogram | Original Article

Studying eruption patterns of mandibular third molars for forensic age assessment: Introducing current reference data from a population of black South Africans

Authors: Maximilian Timme, Jan Viktorov, Laurin Steffens, Adam Streeter, André Karch, Chané Smit, Liam Robinson, Herman Bernitz, Andreas Schmeling

Published in: International Journal of Legal Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Evaluation of the eruption of mandibular third molars in orthopantomograms (OPGs) is a method of forensic age assessment. The objective of our study was to provide valid reference data for this trait within a population of black South Africans. The study was guided by the criteria for reference studies in age assessment.

Materials and methods

A study population from Pretoria, South Africa comprising 670 OPGs obtained from 338 black females and 332 black males aged between 15.00 and 25.97 years was analysed. All OPGs were performed for medical indication during the period from 2011 to 2022 and were retrospectively evaluated. From the 670 OPGs, a total of 1021 mandibular third molars were evaluated. The assessment of mandibular third molars was conducted using the staging scale presented by Olze et al. in 2012. Two experienced dentists evaluated the OPGs independently of each other. If the two examiners diverged in their assessments, a consensus stage was assigned.

Results

As expected, the mean, median and minimal age increased with higher stages for both teeth and both sexes. The minimum age recorded for stage D, indicating complete tooth eruption, was 15.79 years in females and 16.62 years in males.

Conclusion

As it is the case for previous reference studies in other countries, placing exclusive reliance on the evaluation of mandibular third molar eruption is inadequate for ascertaining the age of majority among Black South Africans. Future studies need to examine if our results are transferable to other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.

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Title: Studying eruption patterns of mandibular third molars for forensic age assessment: Introducing current reference data from a population of black South Africans
Authors: Maximilian Timme
Jan Viktorov
Laurin Steffens
Adam Streeter
André Karch
Chané Smit
Liam Robinson
Herman Bernitz
Andreas Schmeling
Publication date: 11-05-2024
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keyword: Orthopantomogram
Published in: International Journal of Legal Medicine
Print ISSN: 0937-9827
Electronic ISSN: 1437-1596
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00414-024-03251-x

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Studying eruption patterns of mandibular third molars for forensic age assessment: Introducing current reference data from a population of black South Africans

Abstract

Introduction

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

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