Is chronological age predictable on panoramic images using the Demirjian method on third molars? Insights from a Turkish population-based study
Medicina Oral Patologia Oral y Cirugia Bucal, cilt.31, sa.2, ss.160-165, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 31 Sayı: 2
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.4317/medoral.27651
- Dergi Adı: Medicina Oral Patologia Oral y Cirugia Bucal
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, EMBASE, MEDLINE, DIALNET
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.160-165
- Anahtar Kelimeler: age determination, dental radiography, panoramic, population surveillance, Third molar, tooth calcification
- İstanbul Medipol Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Background: Third molars are crucial in forensic age estimation during adolescence due to their late and variable development. The modified Demirjian method employs a nine-stage classification (0-H) for assessing dental maturity. However, population-specific validation is essential for forensic accuracy. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between chronological age and M3 development stages in a Turkish population using panoramic radiographs, and to investigate the influence of gender and anatomical location, including impaction classifications (Pell-Gregory and Winter). Material and Methods: A total of 1656 individuals (mean age: 13.9±3.78 years) underwent digital panoramic radiography. Developmental stages of 2770 mandibular and 2553 maxillary M3s were assessed using the modified Demirjian method. Statistical analyses included Spearman correlation, Kruskal-Wallis tests and generalized linear models. Results: Third molar development strongly correlated with chronological age. Most teeth were in stages B-E, with mandibular M3s most frequent in stages C and E, and maxillary in C and D. Age differed significantly across all stages (p<0.001). Generalized linear models confirmed age as a significant predictor (R²=0.330 mandible; R²=0.337 maxilla). Gender and impaction classifications had no main effects, but significant interactions were found (Pell-Gregory×Gender: p<0.001; Winter×Pell-Gregory: p=0.016). Conclusions: The modified Demirjian method reliably estimates age in Turkish adolescents, with high age-stage correlation. While gender and anatomical location alone do not alter developmental progression, their interaction with impaction patterns reveals complex growth dynamics. These findings support context-sensitive forensic protocols.