ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 7

A Simple Technique for Age Estimation in Adult Corpses: The Two Criteria Dental Method
Zerilli, A
Professor of forensic sciences and research assistant of forensic odontology, Unité de Médecine Légale, Service Sebileau, CHRU A. Morvan,

Baccino, E
Professor of forensic sciences and research assistant of forensic odontology, Unité de Médecine Légale, Service Sebileau, CHRU A. Morvan,

Lamendin, H
Associate professor of biology and research assistant, Laboratoire de Biologie Cellulaire et Animale, Faculté des Sciences,

Tavernier, JC
Professor of forensic odontology and research assistant, Laboratoire d'Odontologie Légale (Sous Section 56-03), Faculté de Chirurgie Dentaire,

Humbert, JF
Associate professor of biology and research assistant, Laboratoire de Biologie Cellulaire et Animale, Faculté des Sciences,

Nossintchouk, RM
Professor of forensic odontology and research assistant, Laboratoire d'Odontologie Légale (Sous Section 56-03), Faculté de Chirurgie Dentaire,

Abstract

A method for age determination of adults from single rooted teeth is presented. It is based on the measurement of two dental features: periodontosis height times 100/root height (P) and transparency of the root height times 100/root height (T). These measurements are made on the labial surface of the entire tooth without section and do not require special equipment or training. The application of multiple regression analysis to a working sample of 306 teeth of known age, sex and race provided the following equation: Age (years) = 0.18 × P + 0.42 × T + 25.53. The mean error between the actual and estimated age was ± 10 years on the working sample and ± 8.4 years on a control sample made of 45 forensic science cases. Upper incisors showed a better precision than the other single rooted teeth and accuracy was not sex related. A comparison of the Gustafson and Lamendin methods on a control sample of 39 teeth resulted in an advantage of the latter considering the mean error on the estimation (14.2 ± 3.4 years for Gustafson versus 8.9 ± 2.2 for Lamendin). The Lamendin method can be of practical interest for any forensic pathologist or dentist as it is fast, easy to use, and reasonably accurate except for cases of individuals under age 40 where other methods must be preferred.

Keywords:
odontology, age estimation, adults, dental method, transparency of the root, periodontosis

Paper ID: JFS13327J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS13327J
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