Third molars as indicators of legal age according to the Cameriere method in a peruvian population
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15381/os.v28i1.29846Keywords:
Molar, Third, forensic anthropology, forensic dentistry, radiography, panoramicAbstract
Objective: To determine the effectiveness of the third molar maturation index (I3M) in identifying the legal age in the Peruvian population. Materials and Methods: This study analyzed the left lower third molars from 200 digital panoramic radiographs of Peruvian individuals, selected through non-probabilistic sampling. Radiographs with pathologies obstructing clear visibility of the third molars were excluded. The method by Cameriere et al was employed, calculating the I3M based on the ratio between the apical pulp width and the total length of the tooth. A threshold value of 0.08 distinguished minors (equal or higher values) from adults (lower values). Results: The application of the I3M achieved a 100% sensitivity in both genders, indicating precise identification of individuals over 18 years old. Specificity reached 92% in males and 68% in females, suggesting high accuracy in males and moderate accuracy in females for detecting minors. The positive and negative likelihood ratios indicated a high probability of correctly determining legal age, especially in males (92%) compared to females (75%). Conclusions: The I3M proves to be a reliable tool for determining legal age in the Peruvian population. However, caution is advised when interpreting results in females, recommending a more personalized approach or gender-specific adjustments to enhance the method's accuracy in forensic applications.
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