The contribution of dentistry in age estimation of young adults / A contribuição da Odontologia na estimativa da idade em adultos jovens

RESUMO

Estimating the age of young adults remains a challenge and cannot be performed with high accuracy, however, this estimate may contribute to an elucidation of expert cases. This study aims to describe and analyze the different techniques and methodologies used by Forensic Odontology to make these estimates. For this, scientific articles were analyzed from the use of "forensic anthropology" and "dental age estimation" as keywords in PUBMED. Studies published between 2003 and 2016 in English were included, as well as the revisions and studies aimed at children or other purposes were excluded. In a total of twenty-eight articles selected, the nationality, homogeneity and gender of the samples were analyzed, as well as the type of imaging tests and the different techniques used, such as morphological, histological, biochemical or the combination between them. In addition, the use of teeth or bones and the dental group chosen to constitute the sample were evaluated. Through this search, it is concluded that the profile of global scientific study aimed at the age estimation of young adults uses homogeneous samples of both genders, using one-root and multi-root dental elements. The general design is also characterized by the morphological analysis of the sample and the use of imaging exams, preferably panoramic radiographs. Although the articles cover different nationalities, the Indian population presented the most significant expression in the present study. Under those circumstances, the selected literature reflects the reality of studies in different populations, emphasizing the need to stimulate scientific research in Brazil, since the population standards alter the efficiency of the indicators used. The improvement of current techniques is also necessary to make them less invasive, with the predominant use of CT scans, radiographs and photographs.