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Estimating the 18-Year Threshold with Third Molars Radiographs in the Southern Italy Population: Accuracy and Reproducibility of Demirjian Method

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  • Mario Caggiano

    (Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Via Allende, 84081 Baronissi, Italy)

  • Giuseppe Scelza

    (Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Via Allende, 84081 Baronissi, Italy)

  • Alessandra Amato

    (Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Via Allende, 84081 Baronissi, Italy)

  • Raffaele Orefice

    (Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Via Allende, 84081 Baronissi, Italy)

  • Simona Belli

    (ASL Napoli 1 Centro, Strada Comunale del Principe, 13/a, 80145 Napoli, Italy)

  • Stefano Pagano

    (Odontostomatological University Centre, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy)

  • Chiara Valenti

    (Odontostomatological University Centre, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy)

  • Stefano Martina

    (Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Via Allende, 84081 Baronissi, Italy)

Abstract

The estimation of the age of the majority of living subjects is widely required nowadays due to the presence of unidentifiable individuals, without documents and general information, involved in migration or legal procedures. Dental age estimation (DAE) is a valid method for investigating the age of subjects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of the Demirjian method in a limited age group (16–24 years) in differentiating between older and younger than 18 years. From an initial sample of 17,594 radiographs, 460 were selected meeting the inclusion criteria. Two dentists provided the age estimate according to the Demirjian method, with a simplified approach based on the development of the third molars. The presence of a developmental stage of H for at least one third molar allowed to establish the major age if the other third molars, inferior or superior, have reached a stage equal or superior to F, with an accuracy of 90.2% and a predictive positive value of 91.6%. Thirty-three patients showed the development of at least one third molar (Stage H) before the age of 18 years while six patients showed the development of all four third molars with root completion (stage H) before the age of 18 years. When all third molars reached stage H an individual was over 18 years old in 97.4% of cases. In presence of one third molar on stage H and a stage equal or superior to F for the other third molars the probability of being of major age was 91.6%.

Suggested Citation

  • Mario Caggiano & Giuseppe Scelza & Alessandra Amato & Raffaele Orefice & Simona Belli & Stefano Pagano & Chiara Valenti & Stefano Martina, 2022. "Estimating the 18-Year Threshold with Third Molars Radiographs in the Southern Italy Population: Accuracy and Reproducibility of Demirjian Method," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(16), pages 1-7, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:16:p:10454-:d:894647
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    1. Leanne Sykes & Ahmed Bhayat & Herman Bernitz, 2017. "The Effects of the Refugee Crisis on Age Estimation Analysis over the Past 10 Years: A 16-Country Survey," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(6), pages 1-8, June.
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