Dental age assessment based on the radiographic visibility of the periodontal ligament in lower third molars in a Thai sample

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to analyze the radiographic visibility of the periodontal ligament in completed root formation lower third molars in a group of lower northern Thai population. Digital panoramic images from 800 patients with ages ranging from 16 to 26 years were used in this study. The visibility status of periodontal ligament of lower third molars with completed root formation including apical closure was assessed. For each stage, the minimum age, maximum age, median, mean, and standard deviation were calculated. The minimum age found in the stage 0 was 16.17 years in males and 17.00 years in females. Stage 1 was first achieved at the age of 16.17 years in males and 17.08 years in females. The earliest onset of stage 2 was 17.00 years in males and 18.17 years in females. The incidence of stage 3 was first observed at 19.17 years in males and 18.83 years in females. It may be concluded that the radiographic visibility of the periodontal ligament in lower third molars may be a useful approach in chronological age assessment in Thai population. In case the periodontal ligament visibility is found to be in stage 2, it may be confirmed that the individual is at least 18 years of age.