Amino Acid Racemization - a Guide to Dental Age Estimation

Amino acid racemization is a process by which there is an inter-conversion of amino acids which are the building blocks of proteins from one chiral form (Levo - form) to a mixture of Levo and Dextro forms following protein degradation. The increase in the proportion of Dextro amino acids can be used as the tool for estimating the age of an individual. Amino acid racemization is best preferred to be done on aspartic acid and the most preferred tooth for this process is second molar. In amino acid racemization, amino acids are separated into their Dextro and Levo forms by various methods but the most preferred technique is High Profile Liquid Chromatography.