Dental Age Estimation Methoods in Adults

Introduction: Age estimation plays a crucial role in forensic dentistry, particularly in cases involving adults. This abstract highlights the challenges of age estimation among adults, emphasizing the ethical concerns when dealing with living individuals. Aim: The primary aim of this review is to discuss various age estimation methods applicable to adults in forensic dentistry. It evaluates the reliability and suitability of these methods based on legal questions and specific populations. Materials and Methods: The review explores several age estimation techniques, including Gustafson's method, dentin translucency, pulp-tooth ratio, cementum annulation, attrition, amino acid racemization, and radiocarbon analysis of dentition. It also underscores the histological and biochemical approaches while acknowledging the ethical challenges associated with extracting tooth specimens from living individuals. The collaboration between forensic dentistry investigators and statistics experts is essential for achieving accurate and population-specific calculations. Conclusion: In forensic dentistry, the objective of age estimation is not merely to provide an exact age but to determine a scientifically relevant age range. By employing various age estimation methods and presenting their results to the legal system, investigators can offer valuable insights into the age of individuals, considering the strengths and limitations of each approach. This collaborative effort ensures that the age estimation process is accurate and context-specific.