Forensic age estimation using the eruption of the second permanent mandibular molar: determining age over 14 years-old

Little is known about the role of the second molar eruption in forensic age estimation; however, in countries where the legal age is 14-years-old, it can provide important information. This study aims to analyse whether the eruption stages of the second mandibular molar can be used for forensic age estimation purposes. The eruption stage of the second left mandibular molar was assessed and correlation between age and stage of eruption was evaluated using Spearman rank order correlation. A Chi-square test was used to assess the correlation between age equal or superior to 14 and stage C or D attainment. The level of significance was defined as p<0.05. Stage C and D attainment and age 14 were significantly related in both sexes (p