Identification: age estimation of teeth: practice question

A Forensic Medicine question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Forensic Medicine · Identification: age estimation of teeth

Sample item

Skeletal remains of an adult are found. All permanent teeth are erupted, and a sectioned single-rooted tooth shows attrition, secondary dentine and root transparency. Which method of age estimation is most appropriate, and why?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Gustafson's method, which scores regressive tooth changes that accumulate with age in adults

Gustafson's method scores six age-related changes: attrition, periodontosis, secondary dentine, cementum apposition, root resorption and root transparency. These continue through adult life. Demirjian's method depends on tooth formation stages, which are complete in adults.

Option by option

  • A. Demirjian's method, which grades mineralisation stages of developing teeth in children

    Developmental stages are complete in an adult, so Demirjian's method is not useful.

  • B. Counting the incremental lines of the clavicle

    The clavicle has no incremental lines that can be counted for age.

  • C. Gustafson's method, which scores regressive tooth changes that accumulate with age in adults (correct)

    Correct. Regressive changes in an adult tooth are the basis of Gustafson's scoring.

  • D. Greulich and Pyle atlas, which needs the hand radiograph of a child

    That atlas compares hand and wrist ossification and applies to growing individuals, which is not the situation here.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Forensic Medicine question

What is the answer to this Forensic Medicine question?

The best answer is C, Gustafson's method, which scores regressive tooth changes that accumulate with age in adults. Gustafson's method scores six age-related changes: attrition, periodontosis, secondary dentine, cementum apposition, root resorption and root transparency.

Why is "Demirjian's method, which grades mineralisation stages of developing…" not the answer?

Developmental stages are complete in an adult, so Demirjian's method is not useful.

Why is "Counting the incremental lines of the clavicle" not the answer?

The clavicle has no incremental lines that can be counted for age.

Why is "Greulich and Pyle atlas, which needs the hand radiograph of a child" not the answer?

That atlas compares hand and wrist ossification and applies to growing individuals, which is not the situation here.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Identification: age estimation of teeth in Forensic Medicine. These continue through adult life. Demirjian's method depends on tooth formation stages, which are complete in adults.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Identification: age estimation of teeth?

Learn postmortem changes with their timelines, and toxicology as poison, sign, test and antidote. Then use the flashcards and the other Forensic Medicine questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.