- Method Overview: Gustafson’s method estimates age based on physiological changes in dental tissues after 21 years.
- Key Components:
- Attrition: Wear of teeth from mastication, affecting enamel to pulp.
- Periodontosis: Gum regression exposing tooth necks and roots.
- Secondary Dentin: Pulp cavity infilling, reducing its size.(2nd best parameter)
- Cementum Apposition: Counting incremental lines from continuous deposition near root end.
- Root Resorption: Starts at apex, extends upwards.
- Root Transparency: After 30 years, dentin transparency is the most reliable indicator. Error is +/- 4 to 7 years.
- Age Calculation: Age is determined using the formula: Age = 11.93 + 11.56 (Total score) ± 3.63, with symbols indicating the degree of change in dental components.