Evaluación del grado de mineralización del tercer molar y su relación con la mayoría de edad ecuatoriana.

Abstract

Introduction: Determining the age of majority represents a transcendental challenge for the Ecuadorian justice system. Currently, the lack of validated national protocols implies considerable risks, undermining fundamental rights and allowing minors to enter adult prisons—a truly sensitive issue. General Objective: To determine the relationship between the mineralization of the mandibular third molar and the legal age of 18 in an Ecuadorian population ranging from 14 to 23 years old. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted, including 154 patients with a mean age of 18.4 years. Panoramic radiographs were analyzed using Demirjian's eight stages. Statistical analysis included Kruskal-Wallis tests along with ROC curves to identify ideal cut-off points. Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values (PPV, NPV) were also calculated using SPSS software. Results: A predominance of advanced stages (E to H) was observed, exceeding 93% in all examined quadrants. Molar 28 (upper left quadrant) emerged as the most reliable indicator of the age of majority, with a cut-off point at stage F. Similarly, stage H exhibited significant specificity, reaching 0.958, thus avoiding the misclassification of minors as adults. However, the observed sensitivity was low. Conclusions: The analysis confirms consistent dental growth, reflecting a chronological age of 18.4 years in this group of individuals. Furthermore, no significant differences were observed by sex, a circumstance that favors the use of standardized maturation tables in Ecuador.