Influence of light conditions (colour temperature and illuminance) on the evaluation of root translucency for the application of Lamendin's age-at-death estimation technique.

Estimation of age-at-death represents a central focus in forensic human identification, as it is a key parameter used in the identification of unidentified bodies. In 1992, Lamendin et al. published a simple technique for estimating the age-at-death of adult skeletal remains based on two dental criteria: the gingival regression and the extent of dentine translucency. Although Lamendin's technique is widely used in forensic contexts and the evaluation of root translucency is a key element in the technique, the light conditions for measuring this parameter have not been adequately established. The aim of the present study is to analyse the influence of colour temperature and illuminance level of a LED light source when root translucency is evaluated to optimize the use of Lamendin's technique for age-at-death estimation. The results describe how light settings may affect the visual perception of root translucency by different examiners and, therefore, affect the accuracy of the age-at-death estimation methods and techniques based on this parameter.

Age-at-death estimation in adults using three forensic methodologies: A Lamendin's technique approach for Latin American context and the extension of a forensic international dental database.

In forensic science, the information that teeth provide to the age estimation process is very important. In adults, one of the most widely used indicators of skeletal age is the Root Dentin Translucency (RDT), mainly through the Lamendin technique, which is used in various Latin American contexts. Recently, Parra et al. (2020) have developed a Bayesian regression model using the Lamendin technique to establish standardized criteria for estimating age-at-death in adults in various forensic contexts. In this study, we evaluate the applicability of this proposal together with the proposal by Lamendin et al. (1992) and Prince and Ubelaker (2002) in Latin American contexts. A sample of single-rooted teeth belonging to 805 individuals from six Latin American countries was used. The results of the three proposals considered were analyzed taking into account factors such as age, sex, origin, and the tooth surface on which the variables were surveyed. Of the factors that would affect the estimates, it was found that the age of the individuals had the greatest influence. However, it was confirmed that the sex and surface of the teeth on which the measurements were taken did not influence the final result. On the other hand, as we expected, the application of the analyzed proposals would also be possible in other forensic contexts, as shown by the results obtained according to the origin. This research expands the FIDB with more information on Latino contexts.

Conceptos básicos sobre el método de Lamendin en la estimación de edad / Basic concepts about Lamendin´s method in age estimation

Resumen La odontología forense representa una de las disciplinas más útilesen la identificación de seres humanos, los dientes también puedenbrindar entre otras características la edad aproximada de una persona. A lo largo de la historia se han desarrollado diferentes métodos de estimación de edad dentro de los cuáles el método de Lamendin(translucidez radicular) resulta sencillo y bastante precisosin la necesidad de equipo especializado para su realización. Como cualquier método diagnóstico presenta limitaciones, puede ser utilizado en adultos después de los 20 años en dientes unirradiculares sin caries, presentando mayor fiabilidad y precisión, cuando el rango de edad se mantiene entre 40 y 70 años. Sin embargo, el mismo no toma en consideración el sexo, ni la raza, por lo que esto puede representar una limitación considerable; aunado a lo anterior en Costa Rica hasta hoy no existen estudios que permitan corroborar la efectividad del método Lamendin en la población.

Abstract Forensic dentistry represents one of the most useful disciplines in the identification of human beings, teeth can also provide, among other characteristics, the approximate age of a person. Throughout history, different age estimation methods have been developed, among which the Lamendin method (root translucency) is simple and quite accurate without the need for specialized equipment to perform it.As any diagnostic method has limitations, it can be used in adults after the age of 20 in single-rooted teeth without caries, presenting greater reliability and precision, when the age range remains between 40 and 70 years. However, it does not take gender or race into consideration, so this can represent a considerable limitation; In addition to the above, in Costa Rica, to date, there are no studies that allow corroborating the effectiveness of the Lamendin method in the population.

An evaluation of dental methods by Lamendin and Prince and Ubelaker for estimation of adult age in a sample of modern Greeks.

Teeth can be used as accurate tools in age-at-death estimation in forensic cases. No previous data exist on estimating age from teeth in a modern Greek population. The aim of this study was to evaluate Lamendin's and Prince and Ubelaker's ageing methods on a modern Greek skeletal sample. In total, 1436 single-rooted teeth from 306 adult individuals (161 males and 145 females) were examined. Only measurements of periodontosis and translucency showed positive correlation with age. Results showed a bias - an overestimation for ages under 40 years and an underestimation over this age. However, the use of wider age groups proved to be more appropriate. Low values of error were observed for the group of middle-aged individuals. In conclusion, both methods can be considered accurate in estimating age-at-death of middle-aged individuals. This study provides more information about the accuracy and applicability of these dental methods on modern European populations.

Validity Comparison of Three Dental Methods for Age Estimation Based on Tooth Root Translucency.

Age estimation of nonliving subjects plays a very important role in identifying human remains. When adult remains are in question, this process becomes even more complex. Among the numerous dental methods that exist for adults aging, the evaluation of root translucency is one of the most useful. This study studies the correlation between age and root translucency by investigating monoradicular teeth affected by pathological processes using the equations proposed by Lamendin, Prince & Ubelaker and from Singhal et al. The average age values calculated according to the three methods were compared with the values of known age. Age estimation using the Student's t-test resulted as more accurate in the methods by Singhal et al. and by Prince & Ubelaker, with respect to that of Lamendin. Age estimation based solely on the percentage of radicular dentinal translucency has been found to be more accurate when diseased teeth are involved.