title: The chronology of second molar development in Brazilians and its application to forensic age estimation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study investigated the possible correlation between the mineralization of the second molars and the chronological age of a sample population of the state of Paraiba, Brazil.
  
  
  METHODS
  One thousand eight hundred fifty-four digitized panoramic images using a scanner of a private dental radiology service were obtained in six months. Of these, 457 were selected from patients aged 4.6 to 16 years who met certain criteria. The images were assessed twice by a radiologist with 5 years experience. A minimum interval of 30 days between the evaluations of the same patient was established. To analyze the relationship between chronological age, calcification level proposed by Demirjian et al in 1973, gender, and tooth, a multiple linear regression model was adjusted, taking age as the response variable (p<0.05).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The gender and calcification level were significantly correlated with the age of the patients (p<0.05). There was a significant difference between the average age of the patients' upper teeth compared to the lower ones in both genders (p<0.05). The dental development occurred earlier in female individuals than in male ones, and there was no significant difference between the right and left second permanent molars.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It was observed that ethnic variables are related to certain parameters of age and sex identification in the Brazilian population, providing important information for forensic evaluations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinic and Social Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil.
authors.forename: Manuella Santos Carneiro
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Almeida
authors.forename: Andrea Dos Anjos
authors.initials: Ados A
authors.lastname: Pontual
authors.forename: Rejane Targino
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Beltrão
authors.forename: Ricardo Villar
authors.initials: RV
authors.lastname: Beltrão
authors.forename: Maria Luiza Dos Anjos
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Pontual
keywords: Age Determination by Teeth; Molar; Radiography, Panoramic; Tooth Calcification