Supernumerary molars' prevalence in a Romanian population sample and their potential value in forensic investigation

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of supernumerary molars in a Romanian population sample, using 1015 panoramic radiographs from a dental radiographs database, in order to assess the potential value of their presence in forensic identification.

1015 panoramic X-rays of patients aged between 18 and 90 years were examined. A detailed description was made of the supernumerary molars that were found, in order to assess their forensic value; only one case had a cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) investigation available, that was also analyzed to compare the quantity and quality of the information in CBCT vs. panoramic radiograph. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel, analysis of variance (ANOVA) method and Pearson's chi-squared test, with a level of significance set at p<0.05.

Only three supernumerary molars were found in our study group, all unilateral, all in the maxilla, two on the left side and one on the right side. The prevalence was 0.3%, with a ratio of 2:1 female vs. male cases; p=0.00123 for males, p=0.00015 for females (p<0.05).

In a group of 1015 panoramic dental radiographs, only three supernumerary molars were identified; when such a rare tooth is found in a forensic investigation, it can aid in the positive identification when antemortem dental radiographic or CBCT records are available. Although CBCT had proved superior in terms of details, panoramic radiographs, the routine method of investigation, offered sufficient information, which confirms their value in identifying a person or in confirming a previous identification.