Reliability of Third Molar Development for Age Estimation by Radiographic Examination (Demirjian's Method).

INTRODUCTION Dental age estimation methods are of particular value because teeth are highly resistant to mechanical, chemical, or physical impacts and time. Teeth are the strongest parts in the human body and are therefore very resistant to external influences, such as extreme temperatures, explosions, and other extreme conditions, which make them available for extensive postmortem periods. AIM To correlate chronological age with dental age using Demirijian's method. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study was carried out on 100 digital orthopantamograms (OPG) of patients in the age group of 7 to 24 years. During the analysis, Magnify' and Ruler' tools were used. Mandibular right third molar was used for entire study. Data collected was analysed by using SPSS software. RESULTS Development of third molar in all stages was found slightly earlier in males than in females, when chronological age was compared with dental age using Demirjian method. 88% subject showed statistically significant linear correlation between chronological age and developmental age using Demirjian's method. CONCLUSION The linear correlation between chronological age and dental age using to Demirjian's method was more in age group above 16 years and less in age group below 16 years. Demirijian's method is a reliable guide for age estimation in age group of 7 to 24 years of age.