Age estimation by Chinese permanent teeth with image analysis.
A total of 567 human teeth except third molars were studied to estimate age, using a combined method of multiple regression analysis of data from a scoring system, direct measurements with image analyser, and logarithmic transformation. As a result, the standard errors of estimate were 4.8-5.4 years in the working sample, and 2.9-5.4 years in the control sample respectively, by using a single tooth. By testing the formulae on forensic autopsy cases in Guang Dong and Guang Xi, (People's Republic of China), it is demonstrated that the standard error of estimate is 3.7 and 2.6 years respectively for any single tooth (incisor, canine, premolar or molar) except the third molar. Age determination from multiple teeth of the same individual has also been studied. As a result, according to the different age grouping, the standard errors of estimate ranged from 0.8 to 2.6 years (2 teeth from the same individual) and 0.6 to 2.3 years (3 teeth from the same individual). It is concluded that the method presented here is helpful in improving the accuracy of age determination from teeth.
Xu
X
X
Faculty of Forensic Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.
Zhu
J
J
Philipsen
H P
HP
Pang
K M
KM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000366:Age Determination by Teeth; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002681:China; D005260:Female; D005554:Forensic Medicine; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012044:Regression Analysis