DEVELOPMENT OF THE WISDOM TOOTH AS A CRIT ERION FOR AGE-DETERMINATION

The study is based on the orthopantomographic evaluation of the format ion and the development of the permanent third molar (n = 938 patients with known age between 15 and 25 years). We used a modified method ac cording to Gleiser and Hunt (1955) with 3 stages of crown formation an d 7 stages of root formation. The correlation between age and the form ation of the third molar is not very close. There is a deviation of +/ -4 years (97% statistical safety). The root is completed at the age of about 23 years (upper jaw: 23 years in males and females, mandible: m ales 23,2 years, females 23,6 years). There is a slight sexual dimorph ism with an accelerated development of the third molar in males. The d entition of the molars runs parallel on both sides of the jaw. Only a small proportion (14%) of all persons has completely formed roots at t he age of 21. Retination of the third molars (produced by the second m olar and by the ascending branch of the mandible) causes a delay of it s development.