A Study to Estimate Age Using Third Molar Development in a South Indian Population

Background: In forensics estimation of age using dental findings has played a very important role over the years but its utilisation with regard to adult-juvenile conflict in court of law is very limited. This study has been done to estimate the age in this particular group using third molar radiographs in an Indian population. Aim: To estimate the age of an individual using third molar radiographs in a South Indian population. Materials and methods: The study was performed by using 140 digital orthopantamograms (OPG's) of 70 males and 70 females of South Indian origin. The developmental stages of third molars according to Demirijan and modified by Kasper was used and the data was recorded. It was statistically analysed to derive a regression formula to estimate age and calculate the probability of an individual to be over various age groups. Results: It was observed that in the south Indian population there was no significant difference between development of third molars in maxillary and mandibular arches as well as in the right and left sides. Conclusion: Third molar radiographs can be considered a useful tool to estimate age of an individual especially in the court of law where there are conflicts of an individual being a major or not. Though conclusive results cannot be given using a single study, this data can be used as a reference for South Indian population belonging to the 18-25 years age group.