Year : 2015

Volume : Volume 5

Issue : Issue 3s

Address for correspondence :
Dr. Chhaya Patel.
dr.chhayachildcare@gmail.com

Abstract

Aim:  Dental ageing systems are useful for forensic, research and clinical purposes. The present review article is aimed at describing the radiological methods utilised for human age identification. Methods: The application and importance of radiological methods in human age assessment were discussed through the literature survey.  Results: Dental tissue is often preserved indefinitely after death. Implementation of radiography is based on the assessment of the extent of calcification of teeth and in turn, the degree of formation of the crown and root structures, along with the sequence and the stages of eruption. Several radiological techniques can be used to assist in both individual and general identification, including determination of gender, ethnic group and age. The radiographic method is a simpler and cheaper method of age identification compared with histological and biochemical methods. Radiographic and tomographic images have become an essential aid for human identification in forensic dentistry, particularly with the refinement of techniques. Conclusion: Based on the appropriate knowledge of the available methods, forensic dentists can choose the most appropriate since the validity of age estimation crucially depends on the method used and its proper application. The multifactorial approach will lead to optimum age assessment.

Keywords: Age estimation, Dental Radiology, Dental age, Chronological age, Forensic odontology, Human identification.