NCJ Number
140081
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 37 Issue: 5 Dated: (September 1992) Pages: 1373-1379
Date Published
1992
Length
7 pages
Annotation
A method for age determination of adults from single rooted teeth is presented that is based on measuring two dental features, periodontosis height times 100/foot height (P) and transparency of root height times 100/root height (T).
Abstract
The working sample included 306 single rooted teeth, free of restoration and collected from 208 individuals of known age (22-90 years), sex (135 men and 73 women), and race (198 whites and 10 blacks). Measurements were made on the labial surface of the entire tooth without section and did not require special equipment or training. Multiple regression analysis of the 306 teeth provided the following equation: age (years) = 0.18 x P + 0.42 x T + 25.53. The mean error between actual and estimated age was plus or minus 10 years for the working sample and plus or minus 8.4 years for a control sample comprised of 45 forensic science cases. Upper incisors showed better precision than other single rooted teeth, and accuracy was not related to sex. Gustafson and Lamendin methods of dental analysis are discussed. 18 references, 2 tables, and 3 figures