Dental Age Assessment Based on Developmental Stages and Maturity Index of Third Molars for Medico-Legal Purposes

As results may vary depending on the method of examination, this paper analyzes methods of age estimation based on the maturation index of third molars (I_3M) and Kohler's developmental stages in living individuals. A total of 1475 orthopantomograms were analyzed. The results showed that the development of third molars tended to be more advanced in males than in females. Regression equations that included the value of the developmental stage of the left third molar most accurately predicted chronologic age in males and females. Using the I_3M method, there were no statistically significant bilateral differences between the mandibular right and left third molars. Overall, 82.92% of males and only 72.82% of females were correctly classified with the cut-off value (0.08) for the left mandibular third molar index. In addition, 81.97% of individuals were correctly classified as minors and adults using the Kohler method, while only 78.62% of individuals were correctly classified as minors and adults using the I_3M method. Based on the misclassification of minors as adults, both methods should be used with caution and overestimation of age should be considered, especially for those close to 18 years of age.