AGE ESTIMATION IN BIOPSY SPECIMENS OF DENTIN

Determination of age at death on the basis of aspartic acid racemizati on in dentin is one of the most reproducible and accurate methods. In Germany, age estimation by this method has so far generally not been a pplied to living persons, since the extraction of a tooth exclusively for age estimation when it is not medically indicated is regarded as e thically and legally problematic. The development of a biopsy techniqu e applicable to dentin took place against this background. Testing the technique and analysis of dentinal biopsy specimens revealed that the biopsy technique is a low-risk procedure that causes only minor disco mfort to the affected person. It is readily practicable and facilitate s standardized specimen removal. The relationship between the extent o f aspartic acid racemization in dentinal biopsy specimens and age is v ery close, facilitating age estimation. A prerequisite for accurate re sults is the performance of biopsies under strictly standardized condi tions. If this is guaranteed, age determination on the basis of aspart ic acid racemization in dentinal biopsy specimens appears to be superi or in precision to most other methods in living persons and can be use d for all age groups.