Which of the following methods is used to assess age through dental analysis?

The Gustafson method is a well-established technique used to estimate age based on dental analysis. This method involves the examination of five specific dental features: attrition, periodontosis, secondary dentin deposition, root transparency, and apical translucency.

As individuals age, their teeth undergo various morphological changes due to wear and physiological processes. For instance, the degree of wear or attrition can indicate how much the teeth have been used, while the deposition of secondary dentin serves as a marker of aging within the tooth structure. The method assigns scores to these features, which are then interpreted to estimate the chronological age of the individual.

This approach provides useful insights during forensic investigations, especially in cases where other means of identifying age may not be viable. The reliability and applicability of the Gustafson method in forensic odontology solidify its importance in age estimation.

Other methods mentioned, such as the Locard principle, Breslaw test, and Ewing's postulates, do not pertain to age assessment through dental examination, which is why they are not the correct answer. The Locard principle relates to the forensic principle that “every contact leaves a trace.” The Breslaw test typically pertains to methods for testing substances rather than age estimation,