NCJ Number
243695
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 58 Issue: S 1 Dated: January 2013 Pages: S 151-S 155
Date Published
January 2013
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This study discusses the use of tooth cementum annulations (TCA) as a more accurate method for estimating age-at-death than conventional macroscopic methods typically employed.
Abstract
Assessment of tooth cementum annulations (TCA) is acknowledged for its potential as a more accurate method for estimating age-at-death than conventional macroscopic methods typically employed. Thermal alteration of remains in a forensic context is not uncommon; however, the use of TCA in heat-treated remains has hitherto received no quantitative assessment of accuracy. This study applies TCA to a sample of modern teeth of known demographics after experimental heat treatment at 600, 800 and 1000 degrees C. Cementum annulations do survive thermal alteration; however, their visibility is dependent on exposure temperature. Physical and chemical changes resulted in TCA being applicable to only 63.3 percent of samples. An overall correlation to known age of r = 0.522 (p less than 0.05) was found, while correlations of r = 0.868 (p less than 0.01), r = 0.249, and r = 0.185, were found for 600, 800, and 1000 degrees C subsets, respectively. These results indicate that in teeth exposed to temperatures greater than 600 degrees C, TCA no longer yields accurate enough results to be of use in forensic investigations. Abstract published by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons.