Root Pulp Visibility as a mandibular maturity marker at the 18-year threshold in the Maltese population

Area of Science:

• Forensic Anthropology
• Dental Age Estimation

Background:

• The Demirjian method for tooth staging is unreliable for determining the age of majority.
• Alternative maturity indicators are needed for accurate age assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the Root Pulp Visibility (RPV) of the mandibular third molar as an indicator of the age of majority (18 years).

Main Methods:

• 1006 dental panoramic radiographs (DPTs) were analyzed.
• The left mandibular third molar was assessed using the RPV staging method.
• 662 DPTs met the inclusion criteria (288 males, 374 females).

Main Results:

• Stages RPV-A and RPV-B included individuals spanning the 18-year threshold.
• All individuals reaching stages RPV-C and RPV-D were above the 18-year threshold.
• Analysis was limited by the inability to process a significant number of DPTs.

Conclusions:

• RPV stages RPV-C and RPV-D suggest an individual has reached the age of majority.
• This finding aligns with existing research.
• Third molar development variability restricts the universal applicability of this method, necessitating substitute approaches.