A cronologia de desenvolvimento do segundo molar e sua relação com a estimativa forense da idade

Abstract

Introduction The age estimation belongs to an area of scientific knowledge that has assumed particular importance in the context of Forensic Dentistry. Presents greater relevance in living individuals and the main object of study are children, since it is a key tool for the establishment of their identity. The study of dental maturation, through panoramic radiographs, is one of the most reliable methods for age estimation. Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the applicability of Demirjian’s method for age estimation and investigate the possible correlation between the stage of the 3.7 tooth, and the chronological age in a population sample of Viseu, from the Catholic University’s Dental Clinic. Materials and methods: For this purpose, will be examined, the panoramic radiographs of all children between 5 to16 years of age. This study was based on scale scores of the second molar, in both sexes, for different stages of tooth development, according to Demirjian’s method. The difference between dental age and chronological age will be analyzed and compared by using multilinear regression models. Results: The development of tooth 3.7, based on the methodology developed by Demirjian, is a valid indicator to predict the age of child and adolescent population of Viseu, Portugal. Discussion: It was possible to observe the existence of a correlation between the estimated age and chronological age and also the tooth development, specifically the mandibular second molar, that occurs earlier in girls than in boys. These results agree with those of other studies. Conclusion: There is a significant association between the estimated age and stages of mineralization attributed to the lower second molar, according to Demirjian’s method.

Date of Award	9 Sept 2014
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Andreia Figueiredo (Supervisor) & Cristina Figueiredo (Co-Supervisor)