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Orthopantomography and the determination of majority age
I Robetti1, M Iorio, M Dalle Molle
1Institute of Forensic Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Italy.
Panminerva Medica
|September 1, 1993
Summary
Determining dental age using third molar mineralization is a reliable method for legal age assessment. This study confirms that complete root mineralization in third molars indicates an individual is over 18 years old.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Anthropology
- Odontology
Background:
- Legal age determination is crucial for criminal liability.
- Dental age assessment is a sensitive method for biological age estimation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the reliability of third molar mineralization for legal age assessment.
- To determine if complete third molar root mineralization correlates with being over 18 years of age.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an established equational formula based on orthopantomography and tooth mineralization times.
- Assessed third molar mineralization phases using a proposed 12-phase table.
- Analyzed the age of 93 subjects (43 male, 50 female) exhibiting complete root mineralization (12th phase).
Main Results:
- Complete mineralization of third molar roots (12th phase) was observed in 93 subjects.
- Male subjects with complete mineralization ranged from 18 years 10 months to 25 years 9 months.
- Female subjects with complete mineralization ranged from 18 years 4 months to 25 years 5 months.
- No subjects in the study were found to be under 18 years of age.
Conclusions:
- Third molar mineralization, particularly complete root development, is a strong indicator of legal age (over 18).
- This dental age assessment method provides reliable data for judicial authorities regarding age of majority.