Testing the Accuracy of an Age Estimation Method Using Radiographs of Permanent Mandibular Third Molar Teeth in a Thai Population

Abstract

The aim of this study was to test the accuracy of an age estimation method using the radiographs of permanent mandibular third molar teeth in a Southern Thai population. Digital panoramic radiographs of 480 Thai samples (240 males and 240 females) aged from 8 to 23 years were selected and divided into 16 age groups. The permanent mandibular third molar teeth were separated into nine developmental stages according to the Demirjian et al. classification. The developmental stage was evaluated and then converted into a developmental score. Accuracy of the dental age estimation was tested using regression equations according to the Duangto et al. study. Our results showed that dental age was close to the chronological age within one year for both sexes. In conclusion, the age estimation equations according to the Duangto et al. study provide an accurate age estimation in a Southern Thai population.