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Age Estimation Using Tooth Cementum Annulation

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Forensic Microscopy for Skeletal Tissues

Part of the book series: Methods in Molecular Biology ((MIMB,volume 915))

Abstract

In Forensic Anthropology age diagnosis of unidentified bodies significantly helps in the identification process. Among the set of established aging methods in anthropology tooth cementum annulation (TCA) is increasingly used due to its narrow error range which can reach 5 years of age in adult individuals at best. The rhythm of cementum appositions of seasonally different density provides a principal mechanism on which TCA is based. Using histological preparation techniques for hard tissues, transversal tooth root sections are produced which can be analyzed in transmitted light microscopy. Even though no standard TCA preparation protocol exists, several methodological validation studies recommend specific treatments depending on individual conditions of the teeth. Individual age is estimated by adding mean tooth eruption age to the number of microscopically detected dark layers which are separated by bright layers and stand for 1 year of age each. To assure a high reliability of the method, TCA age diagnosis has to be based on several teeth of one individual if possible and needs to be supported by different techniques in forensic cases.

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Acknowledgments

The author would like to thank M.A. Melanie Künzie for her help in the manuscript work and for technical assistance. A major part of the work has been supported by the Max Planck Society.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Anthropologie, Medizische Fakultat der Albert Ludwigs, Universitat Frieberg, Freiburg, Germany

    Ursula Wittwer-Backofen

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  1. Ursula Wittwer-Backofen
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Correspondence to Ursula Wittwer-Backofen .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. School of Criminology, Simon Fraser University, University Drive 8888, Burnaby, V5A 1S6, British Columbia, Canada

    Lynne S. Bell

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Wittwer-Backofen, U. (2012). Age Estimation Using Tooth Cementum Annulation. In: Bell, L. (eds) Forensic Microscopy for Skeletal Tissues. Methods in Molecular Biology, vol 915. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-61779-977-8_8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-61779-977-8_8

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  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, Totowa, NJ

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-61779-976-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-61779-977-8

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