A forensic odontologist is asked to identify a body using dental records. Which of the following teeth is the LAST permanent tooth to erupt, and is therefore most useful in estimating age in late adolescence?
- A Upper second premolar
- B Lower first molar
- C Third molar (wisdom tooth) ✓
- D Upper second molar
Explanation
The third molar (wisdom tooth) is the last permanent tooth to erupt, typically between 17–25 years of age, though timing is highly variable and sometimes it never erupts. Because of its late eruption, it is used in forensic age estimation for individuals aged 17–25 years, a medico-legally important group for determining major status, criminal responsibility, and marriage age. For younger age groups, earlier eruption sequences of deciduous and permanent dentition provide more reliable age brackets. Dental age estimation is considered second only to ossification of epiphyses in accuracy.
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.