Radiographic Evaluation of Third Mandibular Molar Development as an Age Indicator in a Swedish Population

Abstract

Radiographs of third mandibular molars have been used to estimate the chronological age of juvenile and young adults in today's society. Several studies have reported variations in the dental development rate in children from different geographical areas. This study provides additional information of a Swedish population. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the development of the third mandibular molar in a sample of Swedish population and to evaluate its age-predicting performance. A total sample of 1031 panoramic radiographs was analyzed in a sample of radiographs from Karolinska Institute, Sweden. The subjects were 12-25 years old. The mineralization stages of the third mandibular molar were assessed according to Demirjian's method. Age ranges were wide for the different developmental stages and a substantial individual variation was seen. The males reached certain stages earlier than females. By the age of 20, most of the teeth were fully developed in both males and females. In conclusion, the third mandibular molar is the only usable tooth for age estimation around the age of 18 years, although it is the most variable tooth in the dentition. The data described may provide reference for age assessment.