ASSESSMENT OF AGE BY THIRD MOLAR ERUPTION AMONG FEMALES IN SOUTH TAMILNADU

BACKGROUND: The judicial system requires the estimation of age by forensic medicine experts in most instances. The eruption of third molar for age assessment may help to know whether an individual is a juvenile or an adult. AIM: In this study, estimation of the age of females by eruption of the third molar was attempted. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 207 female students between the age group of 15 and 27 years were selected for this study based on the availability of their birth certificates. Their oral cavity was examined for eruption of the third molar. RESULTS: It was observed that the estimated age of eruption of third molar among the females was 23 years. CONCLUSION: The age estimation is more useful for Forensic experts to face the queries which are usually raised by legal proceedings.