Arpita Rai; Ashith Acharya; Venkatesh Naikmasur

doi:10.4103/0975-1475.195118

Authors

Arpita Rai Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi
Ashith Acharya Department of Forensic Odontology, S. D. M. College of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Dharwad, Karnataka
Venkatesh Naikmasur Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, S. D. M. College of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Dharwad, Karnataka

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4103/0975-1475.195118

Keywords:

Age estimation, cone beam computed tomography, forensic odontology, forensic science, pulp‑to‑tooth area ratio

Abstract

Background: Age estimation of living or deceased individuals is an important aspect of forensic sciences. Conventionally, pulp-to-tooth area ratio (PTR) measured from periapical radiographs have been utilized as a nondestructive method of age estimation. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a new method to acquire three-dimensional images of the teeth in living individuals. Aims: The present study investigated age estimation based on PTR of the maxillary canines measured in three planes obtained from CBCT image data. Settings and Design: Sixty subjects aged 20–85 years were included in the study. Materials and Methods: For each tooth, mid-sagittal, mid-coronal, and three axial sections—cementoenamel junction (CEJ), one-fourth root level from CEJ, and mid-root—were assessed. PTR was calculated using AutoCAD software after outlining the pulp and tooth. Statistical Analysis Used: All statistical analyses were performed using an SPSS 17.0 software program. Results and Conclusions: Linear regression analysis showed that only PTR in axial plane at CEJ had significant age correlation (r = 0.32; P< 0.05). This is probably because of clearer demarcation of pulp and tooth outline at this level.

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