If human remains of a child or adolescent are found, it is possible to roughly estimate the age of the deceased based on the eruption pattern shown by the dentition in the skull.
If a tooth is present, then:
(1) the minimum age is the low end of the eruption range
(2) the maximum possible age is the high end of the next tooth to erupt.
|
Appearance of Deciduous Teeth |
Low End in Months |
High End in Months |
|
mandibular central incisor |
6 |
7 |
|
maxillary central incisor |
7 |
8 |
|
mandibular lateral incisor |
8 |
11 |
|
maxillary lateral incisor |
8 |
11 |
|
mandibular first molar |
12 |
16 |
|
maxillary first molar |
12 |
16 |
|
mandibular cuspid |
16 |
20 |
|
maxillary cuspid |
17 |
20 |
|
mandibular second molar |
20 |
30 |
|
maxillary second molar |
20 |
30 |
|
Appearance of Adult Teeth |
Low End in Years |
High End in Years |
|
mandibular central incisor |
6 |
7 |
|
mandibular first molar |
6 |
7 |
|
maxillary first molar |
6 |
7 |
|
maxillary central incisor |
7 |
8 |
|
mandibular lateral incisor |
7 |
8 |
|
maxillary lateral incisor |
8 |
9 |
|
mandibular cuspid |
9.5 |
11 |
|
maxillary cuspid |
11 |
12 |
|
mandibular first bicuspid |
10 |
11 |
|
maxillary first bicuspid |
10 |
12 |
|
maxillary second bicuspid |
10 |
12 |
|
mandibular second bicuspid |
11 |
12 |
|
mandibular second molar |
11.5 |
13 |
|
maxillary second molar |
12 |
13 |
|
mandibular third molar |
17 |
24 |
|
maxillary third molar |
17 |
24 |
Limitations:
• A more accurate determination of age can be made using radiographic evaluation of crown and root development.
Specialty: Clinical Laboratory
