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Dental Cementum in Age Estimation: A Polarized Light and Stereomicroscopic Study

NCJ Number
231232
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 55 Issue: 3 Dated: May 2010 Pages: 779-783
Author(s)
Sowmya Kasetty, B.D.S., M.D.S.; M. Rammanohar, B.D.S., M.D.S.; T. Raju Ragavendra, B.D.S., M.D.S.
Date Published
May 2010
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This study was undertaken to review the methods, difficulties in execution of techniques, and accuracy of cementum thickness and annulations in estimating the age.
Abstract
Dental hard tissues are good candidates for age estimation as they are less destructive and procedures to determine age can be easily performed. Although cementum annulations and cementum thickness are important parameters in this regard, they are seldom used. In the current study, unstained and stained ground sections of tooth were used to measure cemental thickness and count cemental annulations based on which age was estimated and was compared with known age. Although there was positive relation between cemental thickness and annulations with age, only in 1-1.5 percent of cases, age could be predicted with accuracy. 6 figures, 6 tables, and 10 references (Published Abstract)