Postmortem estimation of age at death based on aspartic acid racemization in dentin: its applicability for root dentin

Abstract

The extent of aspartic acid racemization in total dentin and in dentin protein fractions from the roots of third molars was determined. In several cases coronal dentin was also investigated. The results of other authors, according to which the racemization of aspartic acid in root dentin apparently proceeds differently than in coronal dentin, could be confirmed. Consequently, the data published so far on age determination based on the extent of aspartic acid racemization in coronal dentin and the "entire dentin of longitudinal sections" cannot be applied to root dentin. In total root dentin and the acid soluble protein of root dentin, a close relationship was observed between the extent of aspartic acid racemization and age. Accordingly, estimation of age at death based on aspartic acid racemization in dentin is also possible for root dentin, apparently with good results. This is important particularly in those cases where a large portion of the coronal dentin is absent, for instance following dental treatment. In the investigation of root dentin, regression equations specific for root dentin must be employed in the estimation of age at death. Corresponding equations for third molars were calculated.