Tooth Cementum Thickness as a Method of Age Estimation in the Forensic Context

Abstract

Estimating age at death is a key element in the process of human identification of skeletal remains. The interest in dental cementum stems from its increase in thickness throughout life and, at the same time, from the fact it should not be affected by remodeling processes. Since the age assessment is particularly difficult in adults when using traditional anthropological methods on the skeleton, we tested a dental method based on maximum cementum thickness and developed new regression equations. We microscopically analyzed the histological sections of dental roots from a sample of 108 permanent teeth with known age and sex. Age at the time of dental extraction was in the range of 18–84 years. Our findings show that there were no differences in thickness between sexes, dental arch, and mono- and pluriradicular teeth. Separate regression equations were developed for individuals in the whole age range and individuals under 45 years. The equations were then tested on a hold-out sample from the same Mediterranean population demonstrating higher reliability for the equation developed for those under 45. Conversely, due to the increased error in age estimation in individuals over 45, this method should be used with caution in the forensic context when skeletal remains presumably belong to elderly individuals.

Age Group Classification of Dental Radiography without Precise Age Information Using Convolutional Neural Networks

“…Oral age is calculated as an objectively measurable oral health index and is a biological age that reflects oral health status. Oral age reflects the development of modern medicine and lifestyle changes and can be considered a concept related to biological age that can be compared based on the average oral health status of an entire nation [ 27 , 28 ]. It is an age estimation method that is widely used to estimate an accurate age.…”

Using cementochronology to assess the seasonality of catastrophic events in medieval mass graves (Kutná Hora-Sedlec, Czechia, 14th century): Preliminary results

“…In archaeozoology, cementochronology is widely used for estimating the age and season of death; in bioarchaeology, the method of cementochronology generally meets with less involvement. Typically, the method serves as a useful tool for age-at-death estimation, although some critical studies have pointed out some limitations [7,[51][52][53][54]. However, tooth cementum can be an advantageous indicator, especially for lifelong continuous tissue growth or generally good preservation of teeth in the archaeological record.…”

Estimation of Age in Humans Using Dental Translucency of Permanent Teeth: An Experimental Study

“…Regarding dental methodologies, an age-at-death estimation can be performed on adult skeletons by invasive or noninvasive techniques. Specifically, among the different dental age estimation methods that can be employed are the Lamendin method, tooth cementum thickness, dental cementum annulation, and aspartic acid racemization [3][4][5][6][7]. Some of these dental methods require histological analysis that will lead to the destruction of the tooth.…”