Age Estimation Methods in Forensic Dentistry: Literature Review of Indian Studies

Abstract

Introduction: Estimation of age is an essential aspect in human identification, not just for beneficiaries of various policies for children and adolescents but also in aiding decisions in lawsuits. Development and maturation of teeth provide better estimates than other structures and the dental changes can be grouped in different age estimation methods. Objective: The purpose of this literature review was to present the main methods in age estimation that are being used to assess age in Indian subjects. Material and Methods: The database searched was PubMed and the terms used were “Age Estimation”, “Oral Structures”, "Teeth And Bone". Original articles about age estimation methods written in English between 2016 and January 2021 were selected. Results: Demirjian’s method was found to be the most commonly compared method in Indian Population. The method led to consistent overestimation of age in Indian population. Various other methods have also been used with relatively greater accuracy of estimation of age. Besides developmental stages, skeletal radiographs and histological sections of teeth have also served as assessors of age. Conclusion: The most dental age estimation methods were based on developmental stages of the teeth through radiographs and they were applied in children and sub-adults in different regions.