Überprüfung der Altersdiagnostik mittels Wurzeldentintransparenzmessung bei unbekannten Toten

For the evaluation of age estimation based on root translucency, prepared upper and lower jaws of 55 clearly identified corpses were examined. In 54 cases 109 teeth were suitable for assessment. The root translucency was measured in 0.5 mm steps. In comparison to relevant referent studies, the measured values were transferred to estimated age. Correctly estimated results could be obtained in 18 cases, 44 age estimates showed a deviation of 10 years. In 7 cases, a deviation of up to 15 years was found, in 2 cases of up to 20 years, and in 1 case of up to 30 years. It can be concluded that this fast, efficient and simple procedure leads to valuable results in the middle age range. To avaoid seriously false estimations in individual cases, age diagnosis should always be verified by an evaluation of all dental features and autopsy findings relevant to age.