This study was performed to review the international techniques for third molar dental age estimation applied to Brazilian adolescents. A systematic literature review was structured according to PRISMA. Six primary electronic databases were searched (PubMed, Scopus, LILACS, SciELO, Embase and Web of Science) and two sources of grey literature (Open Grey and Open Thesis) were screened. Only cross-sectional studies were included. The risk of bias was assessed with Joanna Briggs Institute tool for systematic reviews. The initial search found 2284 studies. Ten studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria. The samples varied between 288 and 2097 individuals. The sampled age interval ranged from 5 to 23 years. Seven techniques were found within the eligible studies. All the studies had low risk of bias. Three techniques: Demirjian (DEM), Nicodemo (NIC) and Cameriere (I3M) were included in the quantitative analysis. For each of the developmental stages of the techniques DEM and NIC, as well as for each measuring ratio of I3M, combined age values between studies were reported. In general, the international techniques for dental age estimation based on the radiographic assessment of the third molars were applicable to the Brazilian population.

The aim of this paper is to report on a case of positive human identification of a decomposed body after the comparison of ante-mortem (AM) and port-mortem (PM) computed tomography images of frontal sinus. An unknown, highly decomposed human body, aged between 30 and 40 years, was found in a forest region in Brazil. The dental autopsy revealed several teeth missing AM and the presence of removable partial prostheses. The search for AM data resulted in a sequence of 20 axial images of the paranasal sinuses obtained by Multislice Computed Tomography (MSCT). PM reproduction of the MSCT images was performed in order to enable a comparative identification. After a direct confrontation between AM/PM MSCT, the data were collected for morphological findings, specifically for the lateral expansion of the left lobe, the anteroposterior dimension, and the position of median and accessory septa of the sinuses. The importance of storing and interpreting radiographic medical data properly is highlighted in this text, thus pointing out the importance of application of forensic radiology in the field of law.

Successful extraction of third molars depends on preoperative diagnosis and planning. Gold standard preoperative examinations are performed through computed tomography, decreasing risks and avoiding potential accidents. The present report highlights the value of preoperative examinations in face of accidentally displaced third molars. An 18-years-old female patient underwent a third mandibular molar extraction with a general dentist. Accidentally, the mandibular left third molar was displaced into the sublingual space, making necessary a second surgical step. The surgery was interrupted and the patient was referred to an expert in maxillofacial surgery. After 21 days awaiting an asymptomatic health status, the second surgical step was successfully performed using multislice computed tomography as preoperative imaging guide. The present case report highlights the clinical usefulness of imaging planning and informed consents in face of legal and ethic potential complaints.