Modified Radiographic Age Estimation Criteria Based on Third Molar Eruption and Mineralization Status

Abstract

Background: Radiographic assessment of the eruption and maturation status of third molars has been widely used for age estimation.

Aim: This study compared the effectiveness of radiographic age estimation based on the eruption and mineralization status of third molars, and a new regression equation combining both criteria was proposed.

 Methodology: Panoramic radiographs from 269 individuals aged 12-25 years were assessed for third molar eruption and mineralization status. Olze et al. (2007) criterion was applied to evaluate eruption levels, whereas a new simplified criterion was proposed to assess mineralization status.

Results: A total of 995 teeth were assessed. A significant correlation was observed between chronological age and stages of both methods; however, this correlation was slightly higher for the mineralization method than the eruption technique. In addition, the diagnostic efficacy of the newer mineralization method was higher compared to the eruption technique for estimation of 18 years.

 Conclusion: The regression formula (where the status of all four third molars can be determined) predicts the age among females and males with a mean absolute difference of 1.452 years and 1.163 years, respectively. Mineralization status was found to be superior to eruption status for age estimation.