Demirjian's method of dental age estimation is based on assessing the developmental stage of which teeth, and what is its primary advantage over eruption-based dental age assessment?

• A All 32 permanent teeth bilaterally; advantage is applicability to toothless elderly individuals
• B Seven left mandibular permanent teeth assessed in eight calcification stages (A–H); advantage is that calcification is less affected by systemic illness and nutritional status than eruption timing ✓
• C The four third molars only; advantage is that third molar calcification spans ages 7–25
• D Upper central incisors using Gustafson's regression; advantage is applicability from age 5 onwards

Explanation

Demirjian's method assesses seven left mandibular permanent teeth (central incisor to second molar, excluding third molar) across eight calcification stages (A–H) on panoramic radiographs, generating a maturity score convertible to dental age. Its key advantage is that tooth calcification stages are determined genetically and are far less influenced by nutritional deficiencies, systemic illness, or socioeconomic status compared to eruption timing, which varies widely with local inflammation, crowding, and nutrition. Gustafson's method assesses wear, secondary dentine, cementum apposition, and root resorption in extracted teeth for older adults.

Reference: The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (Narayan Reddy), 34th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.