- The third molar, or wisdom tooth, is commonly assessed in forensic age estimation because its mineralization occurs during late adolescence and early adulthood, a period when other teeth have already completed development.
- This makes it a reliable indicator for estimating age between approximately 14 to 23 years.
- The predictable and observable stages of third molar mineralization correspond well with this specific age range, providing useful forensic information when other developmental markers are no longer applicable.

Reference: Kvaal SI, Solheim T. In *Forensic Odontology*, Volume 2, Chapter 4: Age Estimation, p. 75-78.