THE USE OF DENTISTRY IN DETERMINING CHRONOLOGICAL AGE

Abstract

Introduction: The determination of chronological age through dentistry is the analysis of dental and bone characteristics of the oral cavity, which present development patterns directly related to the individual's age. These characteristics begin during intrauterine life and evolve in a predictable way throughout life, allowing accurate age estimates. Objective: This study reviews the literature on the role of dentistry in determining chronological age, highlighting its scientific importance and usefulness in real situations. Methodology: The research was conducted in databases such as SciELO, PubMed, and LILACS (2020–2025), using descriptors such as "Forensic Dentistry" and "Age Estimation", refined with the connectors "AND" and "E". Results: The reviewed studies show the continuous advancement in the application of dentistry in estimating chronological age, especially with the support of fields such as forensic anthropology. This progress has been favored by technological innovations, such as high-resolution imaging, three-dimensional modeling, and intelligent computer systems. The standardization of procedures and cooperation among different specialties are fundamental to increasing the reliability of the methods employed.Discussion: Dentistry is common in forensic practice, serving as a method for establishing an anthropological profile; it is useful and important through age estimation, which is done through bone and dental analysis. Conclusion: The forensic field of dentistry has been gaining prominence as a promising and continuously improving area, opening space for important professional advances. Specialists working in this area play an essential role in supporting investigations, directly contributing to identification, and one of the most widely used areas of forensic dentistry is age determination.