AI Summary & Key Takeaways
AI InsightHowever, the moderate explained variance warrants caution, and external validation in an independent Turkish sample is required before routine forensic application.
📌 3 Key Takeaways
Abstract
Aims: Cameriere’s Third Molar Maturity Index (I3M) is well established for age-threshold determination, yet its application in regression-based age estimation has not been explored in the Turkish population. This study aimed to derive sex-specific linear regression models for estimating chronological age from I3M in Turkish adolescents and young adults. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study evaluated 200 digital panoramic radiographs of individuals aged 14-22 years. I3M was quantified on left mandibular third molars using standardized ImageJ-based measurements by a single blinded examiner (ICC=0.90). Linear regression models were constructed for the pooled sample and separately by sex. Results: I3M showed a statistically significant inverse association with chronological age in all models (p<0.001). In the pooled analysis [age=19.04 - 4.24×I3M; B=-4.24, SE=0.33, 95% CI (-4.88, -3.60)], the model accounted for 46.1% of the variance (adjusted R²=45.9%) with a standard error of estimate (SEE) of 1.65 years and a mean absolute error (MAE) of 1.34 years. Sex-stratified models showed comparable performance: females (R²=49.5%, SEE=1.64, MAE=1.36) and males (R²=41.5%, SEE=1.69, MAE=1.31), with no statistically significant difference between models (Chow test p=0.67). Conclusion: This preliminary study presents the first population-specific regression equations for I3M in Turkiye. These models may serve as a complementary forensic tool for age estimation across multiple legally relevant thresholds. However, the moderate explained variance warrants caution, and external validation in an independent Turkish sample is required before routine forensic application.