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Third molar mineralization in relation to chronologic age estimation of the Han in central southern China

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Abstract

The purpose of this study is to provide a forensic reference data about estimating chronologic age by evaluating the third molar mineralization of Han in central southern China. The mineralization degree of third molars was assessed by Demirjian’s classification with modification for 2519 digital orthopantomograms (1190 males, 1329 females; age 8−23 years). The mean ages of the initial mineralization and the crown completion of third molars were around 9.66 and 13.88 years old in males and 9.52 and 14.09 years old in females. The minimum ages of apical closure were around 16 years in both sexes. Twenty-eight at stage C and stage G and 38 and 48 at stage F occurred earlier in males than in females. There was no significant difference between maxillary and mandibular teeth in males and females except that stage C in males. Two formulas were devised to estimate age based on mineralization stages and sexes. In Hunan Province, the person will probably be over age 14, when a third molar reaches the stage G. The results of the study could provide reference for age estimation in forensic cases and clinical dentistry.

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Acknowledgments

We thank the XiangYa stomatological Hospital Central South University for providing materials and the School of Basic Medical Science Central South University for professional suggestions regarding forensic medicine.

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Author notes

  1. Ying Liu and Kun Geng contributed equally to this work.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Xiangya Stomatological Hospital, Central South University, No72. Xiangya Road, Kaifu District, Changsha, Hunan Province, China

    Ying Liu

  2. Xiangya Stomatological Collage, Central South University, No72. Xiangya Road, Kaifu District, Changsha, Hunan Province, China

    Kun Geng, Yanhao Chu & Mindi Xu

  3. Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, No172. Tongzipo Road, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410013, China

    Lagabaiyila Zha

Authors
  1. Ying Liu
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  2. Kun Geng
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  3. Yanhao Chu
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  4. Mindi Xu
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  5. Lagabaiyila Zha
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Lagabaiyila Zha.

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Our hospital’s ethics committee approved the study.

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The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

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Liu, Y., Geng, K., Chu, Y. et al. Third molar mineralization in relation to chronologic age estimation of the Han in central southern China. Int J Legal Med 132, 1427–1435 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00414-018-1804-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00414-018-1804-x

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