Abstract
This work is a pilot study that introduces an improved method for estimation of a chronological age of a human being using the incremental lines in a dental cementum. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images of longitudinal sections of the tooth roots were subject to SEM analysis. The protocol allows accurate age estimation even if the SEM images reveal a limited number of distinct incremental lines. Micrographs were analyzed with a calibrated thickness measuring tool, such as ImageJ. The study was based on fifteen freshly extracted teeth from adult males and females of a known age. An average cementum thickness (C) and average incremental line thickness (IL) was calculated for each chosen perpendicular level of the tooth root from the SEM image. The number of the incremental lines (nIL) was calculated from the ratio of the mean C and IL, averaged across all levels. Finally, the estimated age is presented as a mean age from the data measured. The proposed protocol for age estimation represents a highly accurate (95%), repeatable and reliable tool for estimation of the chronological age of an individual, using one single SEM scan. Also, from a single case study, we report that an anomalously thick incremental line occurred at the time position which could be related to a childbirth of that female individual. The method can serve forensic purposes.
Highlights
Forensic odontology is а forensic medicine discipline that serves the justice
From a single case study, we report that an anomalously thick incremental line occurred at the time position which could be related to a childbirth of that female individual
The width of a crack was deducted from the cementum thickness, in order to obtain the closest measure of C
Summary
Forensic odontology is а forensic medicine discipline that serves the justice. It deals with the examination of evidence from the teeth [1], as the most resistant organ to degradation of all human remains. The tooth composition and structure endure severe changes of various conditions many years after one individual’s death [2,3,4]. The teeth represent the unique structure, similar to the fingerprints. Thanks to these characteristics, the teeth can provide valuable information including identity, age, individual habits, professional occupation and, even a medical history of the individual. The dental evidence is crucial in the cases of mass destruction (war crimes or natural disasters)
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