Tooth enamel as a forensic clock: A histological study evaluating enamel structures for forensic age assessment using predictive modeling.

BACKGROUND

Forensic odontology has gained prominence due to the reliability of dental evidence in investigations. Tooth enamel, a highly mineralized and durable tissue, resists postmortem degradation. If its histological features can accurately indicate age, species, or gender, it could serve as a valuable forensic tool. This study aimed to evaluate enamel structures histologically for age assessment.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

A total of 120 premolar samples (ages 12-55) from the first quadrant were analysed. Linear enamel hypoplasia was examined using a stereomicroscope, followed by ground sections to count lamellae. Hypo-mineralization zones were assessed under a polarizing microscope using Magnus Pro morphometric software.

RESULTS

The best variable for determining age was found by examining three distinct predictive accuracy models; the C5.0 model had the highest accuracy (85.30 %), followed by the CRT model (60.80 %) and the CHAID model (58.30 %). The lamellae number was the most significant predictor of age, with age group 2 (0.853) followed by group 1 (0.790) and group 3 (0.659).

CONCLUSION

Each individual has a unique enamel profile, which can aid in identifying victims of mass disasters or severely damaged remains. Dentists are encouraged to routinely document enamel defects to support future forensic comparisons with dental records.