A simple technique for age estimation in adult corpses: the two criteria dental method.

A method for age determination of adults from single rooted teeth is presented. It is based on the measurement of two dental features: periodontosis height times 100/root height (P) and transparency of the root height times 100/root height (T). These measurements are made on the labial surface of the entire tooth without section and do not require special equipment or training. The application of multiple regression analysis to a working sample of 306 teeth of known age, sex and race provided the following equation: Age (years) = 0.18 x P + 0.42 x T + 25.53. The mean error between the actual and estimated age was +/- 10 years on the working sample and +/- 8.4 years on a control sample made of 45 forensic science cases. Upper incisors showed a better precision than the other single rooted teeth and accuracy was not sex related. A comparison of the Gustafson and Lamendin methods on a control sample of 39 teeth resulted in an advantage of the latter considering the mean error on the estimation (14.2 +/- 3.4 years for Gustafson versus 8.9 +/- 2.2 for Lamendin). The Lamendin method can be practical interest for any forensic pathologist or dentist as it is fast, easy to use, and reasonably accurate except for cases of individuals under age 40 where other methods must be preferred.

Contribution of pantomography to forensic odontology.

Dento-maxillary pantomography is an excellent means of investigating the oral sphere and its maxillary connections. This type of radiographic recording can be particularly useful in forensic odontology when trying to identify a person from certain selected indications [9] or from a greater range of data [7]. In the first case, the original picture provides sufficient support for the evaluation of the reference indications. In the second case, our proposed method should enable the expert to normalize his examinations with the assistance of analytical patterns consistent with a conventional classification. The processing of the pictures submitted to the expert is performed by the use of 3 different analyzers which facilitate the integral transcription of the data. It thus becomes possible for the expert to establish a rigorously exact relation through comparison and assimilation of previously recorded standards. This method should permit specialists to construct information files for all particularly exposed professional groups. It is suited for data processing of the collected formulas and may allow certain statistical evaluations (e.g. pathological, anthropological).