Zementapposition als Kriterium der zahn?rztlichen Alterssch?tzung

Mineralization and eruption of third molars are the main criteria for dental age estimation in living adolescents. For further diversification of the spectrum of characteristics after completion of third molar development, it was tested whether it is possible to verify that the forensically relevant age of 18 years has been reached by means of radiographic evaluation of the extension of cementum apposition. For this purpose 1,299 conventional orthopantomograms of 650 female and 649 male German subjects aged 15?C40 years were examined. Extension of cementum apposition of mandibular premolars was determined on the basis of a three-stage classification. Stage 1 (early apical cementum apposition) was reached by women at a minimum age of 16.1?C16.6 years and by men at a minimum age of 15.5?C19.9 years depending on the tooth examined. Stage 2 (clearly visible cementum apposition extending beyond the apex) was reached by female subjects at a minimum age of 20.2?C25.1 years and by male subjects at a minimum age of 19.3?C26.9 years depending on the tooth examined. Therefore if stage 2 of cementum apposition is confirmed it is possible to verify for both sexes that the age of 18 years has been reached.