Age estimation in children using Demirjian’s technique: A retrospective study

Abstract

Age estimation is a sub discipline of forensic odontology which plays an important part in every identification process, especially when information related to the deceased is unavailable. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of Demirjian’s Dental Age Estimation technique, with the help of Ortho-Pantomo-Graphs (OPG) in 50 children. 50 OPGs of children in the age group of 6-16 years were randomly selected and a cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted. Age estimation was done by the method given by Demirjian and two tailed test of the data was carried out. A significantly high difference was observed in the estimated and chronologic ages in the age group of 13-16 years than in 6-12 years. Demirjian’s original method, using seven mandibular teeth is an accurate method of age estimation in children especially of the younger age group (6-12 years of age).