Age estimation of Iranian adult corpses by two dental parameters

Background and aim: Age estimation from human adult teeth got a great concern in
forensic medicine. After completion of tooth growth, age estimation is very difficult
and the usual method is to evaluate the changes in tooth structure. The aim of this
study was to evaluate the age estimation using two dental parameters, suggested by
Lamendin, in males at Iranian Medical Legal Organization (IMLO), Tehran.
Method and materials: Single rooted teeth extracted from dead male bodies of
known age in IMLO. Immediately after atraumatic extraction, the height of
periodontosis (p), transparency of the root (t) and the P and T indexes described by
Lamendin were measured. The estimated ages, correlation with tooth parameters and
also the regression equation have been evaluated and new formula for estimating age
in males presented.
Results: In this study 169 teeth from 67 corpses have been extracted. In comparison
of estimated age with Lamendin formula with real age we concluded that Lamendin
formula in Iranian descent in 20-29 and 50 and over age groups has low validity.
Because of high correlation of transparency and periodontosis extents with real age
we suggested a formula for Iranian descent, and with evaluation of this formula, we
suggested that lower lateral incisor is the best tooth for age estimation in Iranian
males.
Conclusion: Being a simple technique, we suggest the formula to be evaluated in a
larger number of cases of different age group to evaluate its efficacy. It is also
suggested the same study to be done in females so that it may be possible to find a
uniform formula.
Key Words: Age, estimation, human adult teeth,