Does third molar impaction affect age estimation in adolescent and young adults? A radiographic population based...

Area of Science:

• Forensic Anthropology
• Dental Age Estimation
• Radiology

Background:

• Dental age estimation is crucial in forensic and clinical contexts.
• Previous studies have largely overlooked the impact of tooth impaction on age estimation accuracy.
• Third molars are commonly used for age estimation, but their developmental variations, like impaction, can introduce errors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the influence of impacted mandibular third molars on the accuracy of age estimation using the Modified Demirjian's method.
• To determine if impaction affects the mineralization process and consequently the estimated age.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective analysis of 200 orthopantomograms from individuals aged 16-25 years was conducted.
• The sample included 171 cases with impacted mandibular third molars (test group) and 212 controls without impaction.
• Chronological age (CA) and estimated age (EA) were calculated using the Modified Demirjian's method, with statistical analysis including independent sample t-tests and chi-square tests.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant difference was observed between chronological age and estimated age in both the test (mean difference = 2.6 ± 2.07 years) and control groups (mean difference = 2.0 ± 1.8 years).
• The mean difference between CA and EA was 0.6 years (approximately 7.2 months) greater in the impacted group compared to the control group.
• Impacted mandibular third molars demonstrated a tendency towards slower mineralization, resulting in an underestimation of age.

Conclusions:

• Impacted mandibular third molars significantly affect the accuracy of dental age estimation, leading to erroneous lower age predictions.
• The findings highlight the importance of considering tooth impaction in forensic age assessment, particularly in the Indian population.
• Further research is recommended to refine age estimation methods considering dental impaction variations.