Skip to main content
Erschienen in: International Journal of Legal Medicine 5/2018

09.06.2018 | Original Article

Estimating age and the probability of being at least 18 years of age using third molars: a comparison between Black and White individuals living in South Africa

verfasst von: André Uys, H. Bernitz, S. Pretorius, M. Steyn

Erschienen in: International Journal of Legal Medicine | Ausgabe 5/2018

Einloggen, um Zugang zu erhalten

Abstract

Third molar development of 705 White and 563 Black South African individuals aged between 15 and 25 years was assessed from panoramic radiographs obtained from the School of Dentistry, University of Pretoria, South Africa. The maxillary and mandibular left third molars were scored according to a ten-stage scoring system. Ancestry and sex differences in dental maturity were assessed, and the likelihood of an individual being 18 years of age was determined for each developmental stage. Statistically significant differences were noted among ancestry groups for most developmental stages, with South African Black individuals consistently maturing earlier than the White individuals. Statistically significant differences were noted among sex groups for some of the stages, mostly those near the final stages of root development. The results indicate that male third molars completed their development faster than that of females. The likelihood of an individual being 18 years of age based on the third molar development stage for the maxilla and mandible on its own was also determined. Combined likelihood results, for the maxillary and mandibular left third molars for stage H, increased the likelihood of being 18 years to 95% for all the studied ancestry and sex groups.
Literatur
1.
Zurück zum Zitat Thevissen PW, Kvaal SI, Dierickx K, Willems G (2012) Ethics in age estimation of unaccompanied minors. J Forensic Odontostomatol 30:85–102 Thevissen PW, Kvaal SI, Dierickx K, Willems G (2012) Ethics in age estimation of unaccompanied minors. J Forensic Odontostomatol 30:85–102
2.
Zurück zum Zitat Campbell EK (2006) Reflections on illegal immigration in Botswana and South Africa. Etude la Popul Africaine 21:1–23 Campbell EK (2006) Reflections on illegal immigration in Botswana and South Africa. Etude la Popul Africaine 21:1–23
3.
Zurück zum Zitat Pelser E (2008) Learning to be lost: YOUTH crime in South Africa. Discussion Paper for the Hsrc Youth Policy Initiative, pp 1–14 Pelser E (2008) Learning to be lost: YOUTH crime in South Africa. Discussion Paper for the Hsrc Youth Policy Initiative, pp 1–14
4.
Zurück zum Zitat Census Bureau (2012) Statistical release ( Revised ) Census 2011, p 78 Census Bureau (2012) Statistical release ( Revised ) Census 2011, p 78
5.
Zurück zum Zitat Schmeling A, Grundmann C, Fuhrmann A, Kaatsch HJ, Knell B, Ramsthaler F, Reisinger W, Riepert T, Ritz-Timme S, Rösing FW, Rötzscher K, Geserick G (2008) Criteria for age estimation in living individuals. Int J Legal Med 122:457–460CrossRefPubMed Schmeling A, Grundmann C, Fuhrmann A, Kaatsch HJ, Knell B, Ramsthaler F, Reisinger W, Riepert T, Ritz-Timme S, Rösing FW, Rötzscher K, Geserick G (2008) Criteria for age estimation in living individuals. Int J Legal Med 122:457–460CrossRefPubMed
6.
Zurück zum Zitat Bassed RB, Briggs C, Drummer OH (2011) Age estimation using CT imaging of the third molar tooth, the medial clavicular epiphysis, and the spheno-occipital synchondrosis: a multifactorial approach. Forensic Sci Int 212:273.e1–273.e5CrossRef Bassed RB, Briggs C, Drummer OH (2011) Age estimation using CT imaging of the third molar tooth, the medial clavicular epiphysis, and the spheno-occipital synchondrosis: a multifactorial approach. Forensic Sci Int 212:273.e1–273.e5CrossRef
7.
Zurück zum Zitat Garvin HM, Nicholas V, Uhl NM et al (2012) Developments in forensic anthropology: age- at-death estimation. In: A companion to forensic anthropol, 1st edn. Blackwell Publishing Ltd., Chichester, pp 202–223CrossRef Garvin HM, Nicholas V, Uhl NM et al (2012) Developments in forensic anthropology: age- at-death estimation. In: A companion to forensic anthropol, 1st edn. Blackwell Publishing Ltd., Chichester, pp 202–223CrossRef
8.
Zurück zum Zitat Nambiar P, Yaacob H, Menon R (1996) Third molars in the establishment of adult status - a case report. J Forensic Odontostomatol 14:30–33PubMed Nambiar P, Yaacob H, Menon R (1996) Third molars in the establishment of adult status - a case report. J Forensic Odontostomatol 14:30–33PubMed
9.
Zurück zum Zitat Solari AC, Abramovitch K (2002) The accuracy and precision of third molar development as an indicator of chronological age in Hispanics. J Forensic Sci 47:531–535PubMed Solari AC, Abramovitch K (2002) The accuracy and precision of third molar development as an indicator of chronological age in Hispanics. J Forensic Sci 47:531–535PubMed
10.
Zurück zum Zitat Nyström M, Haataja J, Kataja M, Evalahti M, Peck L, Kleemola-Kujala E (1986) Dental maturity in Finnish children, estimated from the development of seven permanent mandibular teeth. Acta Odontol Scand 44:193–198CrossRefPubMed Nyström M, Haataja J, Kataja M, Evalahti M, Peck L, Kleemola-Kujala E (1986) Dental maturity in Finnish children, estimated from the development of seven permanent mandibular teeth. Acta Odontol Scand 44:193–198CrossRefPubMed
11.
Zurück zum Zitat Liversidge HM, Speechly T, Hector MP (1999) Dental maturation in British children: are Demirjian’s standards applicable? Int J Paediatr Dent 9:263–269PubMed Liversidge HM, Speechly T, Hector MP (1999) Dental maturation in British children: are Demirjian’s standards applicable? Int J Paediatr Dent 9:263–269PubMed
12.
Zurück zum Zitat Nykänen R, Espeland L, Kvaal SI, Krogstad O (1998) Validity of the Demirjian method for dental age estimation when applied to Norwegian children. Acta Odontol 56:238–244CrossRef Nykänen R, Espeland L, Kvaal SI, Krogstad O (1998) Validity of the Demirjian method for dental age estimation when applied to Norwegian children. Acta Odontol 56:238–244CrossRef
13.
Zurück zum Zitat Demirjian A, Goldstein H, Tanner JM (1973) A new system of dental age assessment. Hum Biol 45:211–227PubMed Demirjian A, Goldstein H, Tanner JM (1973) A new system of dental age assessment. Hum Biol 45:211–227PubMed
14.
Zurück zum Zitat Davis PJ, Hägg U (1994) The accuracy and precision of the “Demirjian system” when used for age determination in Chinese children. Swed Dent J 18:113–116CrossRefPubMed Davis PJ, Hägg U (1994) The accuracy and precision of the “Demirjian system” when used for age determination in Chinese children. Swed Dent J 18:113–116CrossRefPubMed
15.
Zurück zum Zitat McKenna CJ, James H, Taylor JA, Townsend GC (2002) Tooth development standards for South Australia. Aust Dent J 47:223–227CrossRefPubMed McKenna CJ, James H, Taylor JA, Townsend GC (2002) Tooth development standards for South Australia. Aust Dent J 47:223–227CrossRefPubMed
16.
Zurück zum Zitat Willems G, Van Olmen A, Spiessens B, Carels C (2001) Dental age estimation in Belgian children: Demirjian’s technique revisited. J Forensic Sci 46:893–895CrossRefPubMed Willems G, Van Olmen A, Spiessens B, Carels C (2001) Dental age estimation in Belgian children: Demirjian’s technique revisited. J Forensic Sci 46:893–895CrossRefPubMed
17.
Zurück zum Zitat Gunst K, Mesotten K, Carbonez A, Willems G (2003) Third molar root development in relation to chronological age: a large sample sized retrospective study. Forensic Sci Int 136:52–57CrossRefPubMed Gunst K, Mesotten K, Carbonez A, Willems G (2003) Third molar root development in relation to chronological age: a large sample sized retrospective study. Forensic Sci Int 136:52–57CrossRefPubMed
18.
Zurück zum Zitat Liversidge HM (2008) Timing of human mandibular third molar formation. Ann Hum Biol 35:294–321CrossRefPubMed Liversidge HM (2008) Timing of human mandibular third molar formation. Ann Hum Biol 35:294–321CrossRefPubMed
19.
Zurück zum Zitat Liversidge HM, Marsden PH (2010) Estimating age and the likelihood of having attained 18 years of age using mandibular third molars. Br Dent J 209:E13CrossRefPubMed Liversidge HM, Marsden PH (2010) Estimating age and the likelihood of having attained 18 years of age using mandibular third molars. Br Dent J 209:E13CrossRefPubMed
20.
Zurück zum Zitat Reppien K, Sejrsen B, Lynnerup N (2006) Evaluation of post-mortem estimated dental age versus real age: a retrospective 21-year survey. Forensic Sci Int 159:84–88CrossRef Reppien K, Sejrsen B, Lynnerup N (2006) Evaluation of post-mortem estimated dental age versus real age: a retrospective 21-year survey. Forensic Sci Int 159:84–88CrossRef
21.
Zurück zum Zitat Olze A, Bilang D, Schmidt S, Wernecke KD, Geserick G, Schmeling A (2005) Validation of common classification systems for assessing the mineralization of third molars. Int J Legal Med 119:22–26CrossRefPubMed Olze A, Bilang D, Schmidt S, Wernecke KD, Geserick G, Schmeling A (2005) Validation of common classification systems for assessing the mineralization of third molars. Int J Legal Med 119:22–26CrossRefPubMed
23.
Zurück zum Zitat Harris EF (2007) Mineralization of the mandibular third molar: a study of American blacks and whites. Am J Phys Anthropol 132:98–109CrossRefPubMed Harris EF (2007) Mineralization of the mandibular third molar: a study of American blacks and whites. Am J Phys Anthropol 132:98–109CrossRefPubMed
24.
Zurück zum Zitat Blankenship JA, Mincer HH, Anderson KM, Woods MA, Burton EL (2007) Third molar development in the estimation of chronologic age in American blacks as compared with whites. J Forensic Sci 52:428–433CrossRefPubMed Blankenship JA, Mincer HH, Anderson KM, Woods MA, Burton EL (2007) Third molar development in the estimation of chronologic age in American blacks as compared with whites. J Forensic Sci 52:428–433CrossRefPubMed
25.
Zurück zum Zitat Olze A, Schmeling A, Rieger K, Kalb G, Geserick G (2003) Untersuchungen zum zeitlichen Verlauf der Weisheitszahnmineralisation bei einer deutschen Population. Rechtsmedizin 13:5–10CrossRef Olze A, Schmeling A, Rieger K, Kalb G, Geserick G (2003) Untersuchungen zum zeitlichen Verlauf der Weisheitszahnmineralisation bei einer deutschen Population. Rechtsmedizin 13:5–10CrossRef
26.
Zurück zum Zitat Streckbein P, Reichert I, Verhoff MA, Bödeker RH, Kähling C, Wilbrand JF, Schaaf H, Howaldt HP, May A (2014) Estimation of legal age using calcification stages of third molars in living individuals. Sci Justice 54:447–450CrossRefPubMed Streckbein P, Reichert I, Verhoff MA, Bödeker RH, Kähling C, Wilbrand JF, Schaaf H, Howaldt HP, May A (2014) Estimation of legal age using calcification stages of third molars in living individuals. Sci Justice 54:447–450CrossRefPubMed
27.
Zurück zum Zitat Olze A, Schmeling A, Taniguchi M, Maeda H, van Niekerk P, Wernecke KD, Geserick G (2004) Forensic age estimation in living subjects: the ethnic factor in wisdom tooth mineralization. Int J Legal Med 118:170–173CrossRefPubMed Olze A, Schmeling A, Taniguchi M, Maeda H, van Niekerk P, Wernecke KD, Geserick G (2004) Forensic age estimation in living subjects: the ethnic factor in wisdom tooth mineralization. Int J Legal Med 118:170–173CrossRefPubMed
28.
Zurück zum Zitat Olze A, van Niekerk P, Schmidt S, Wernecke KD, Rösing FW, Geserick G, Schmeling A (2006) Studies on the progress of third-molar mineralisation in a black African population. HOMO - J Comp Hum Biol 57:209–217CrossRef Olze A, van Niekerk P, Schmidt S, Wernecke KD, Rösing FW, Geserick G, Schmeling A (2006) Studies on the progress of third-molar mineralisation in a black African population. HOMO - J Comp Hum Biol 57:209–217CrossRef
29.
Zurück zum Zitat Lewis JM, Senn DR (2010) Dental age estimation utilizing third molar development: a review of principles, methods, and population studies used in the United States. Forensic Sci Int 201:79–83CrossRefPubMed Lewis JM, Senn DR (2010) Dental age estimation utilizing third molar development: a review of principles, methods, and population studies used in the United States. Forensic Sci Int 201:79–83CrossRefPubMed
30.
Zurück zum Zitat Mincer HH, Harris EF, Berryman HE (1993) The a.B.F.O. Study of third molar development and its use as an estimator of chronological age. J Forensic Sci 38:379–390CrossRefPubMed Mincer HH, Harris EF, Berryman HE (1993) The a.B.F.O. Study of third molar development and its use as an estimator of chronological age. J Forensic Sci 38:379–390CrossRefPubMed
31.
Zurück zum Zitat Willershausen B, Löffler N, Schulze R (2001) Analysis of 1202 orthopantograms to evaluate the potential of forensic age determination based on third molar developmental stages. Eur J Med Res 6:377–384PubMed Willershausen B, Löffler N, Schulze R (2001) Analysis of 1202 orthopantograms to evaluate the potential of forensic age determination based on third molar developmental stages. Eur J Med Res 6:377–384PubMed
32.
Zurück zum Zitat Kullman L, Johanson G, Akesson L (1992) Root development of the lower third molar and its relation to chronological age. Swed Dent J 161–167 Kullman L, Johanson G, Akesson L (1992) Root development of the lower third molar and its relation to chronological age. Swed Dent J 161–167
33.
Zurück zum Zitat Cavric J, Galic I, Vodanovic M et al (2016) Third molar maturity index (I) for assessing age of majority in a black African population in Botswana. Int J Legal Med 130:1109–1120CrossRefPubMed Cavric J, Galic I, Vodanovic M et al (2016) Third molar maturity index (I) for assessing age of majority in a black African population in Botswana. Int J Legal Med 130:1109–1120CrossRefPubMed
34.
Zurück zum Zitat Lee S-H, Lee J-Y, Park H-K, Kim Y-K (2009) Development of third molars in Korean juveniles and adolescents. Forensic Sci Int 188:107–111CrossRefPubMed Lee S-H, Lee J-Y, Park H-K, Kim Y-K (2009) Development of third molars in Korean juveniles and adolescents. Forensic Sci Int 188:107–111CrossRefPubMed
35.
Zurück zum Zitat World Medical Association (2013) World medical association declaration of Helsinki ethical principles for medical research involving human subjects. JAMA 310:2191–2194CrossRef World Medical Association (2013) World medical association declaration of Helsinki ethical principles for medical research involving human subjects. JAMA 310:2191–2194CrossRef
Metadaten
Titel
Estimating age and the probability of being at least 18 years of age using third molars: a comparison between Black and White individuals living in South Africa
verfasst von
André Uys
H. Bernitz
S. Pretorius
M. Steyn
Publikationsdatum
09.06.2018
Verlag
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Erschienen in
International Journal of Legal Medicine / Ausgabe 5/2018
Print ISSN: 0937-9827
Elektronische ISSN: 1437-1596
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00414-018-1877-6

Weitere Artikel der Ausgabe 5/2018

International Journal of Legal Medicine 5/2018 Zur Ausgabe

Neu im Fachgebiet Rechtsmedizin