Age Estimation Based on Pulp–Tooth Volume Ratio of Anterior Teeth in Cone-Beam Computed Tomographic Images in a Selected Population: A Cross-Sectional Study

Mehrdad Abdinian,Parisa Soltani,Mehdi Katiraei,Gianrico Spagnuolo,Hosein Zahedi,Carlo Rengo

doi:10.3390/app11219984

Mehrdad Abdinian, Parisa Soltani + Show 4 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/app11219984

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Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate the correlation between chronological age and pulp–tooth volume ratio in anterior teeth using cone beam computed tomographic (CBCT) images and provide equations for age estimation based on pulp–tooth volume ratio. In this cross-sectional study, CBCT images of 312 anterior teeth of the maxilla and mandible were examineαd. The chronological age and the sex of the patients were recorded. Tooth volume and pulp volume of the anterior teeth were measured using Mimics software, and then tooth–pulp volume ratio was calculated. Statistical analysis of data was performed using chi-square test, independent T-test, Pearson’s correlation, and linear regression (α = 0.05). Finally, equations were made based on the results of the regression analysis for age estimation in general and for males and females. The age of the subjects ranged between 16 and 69 years (mean 40.6 ± 12.74). The pulp–tooth volume ratio of the maxillary teeth was generally higher than the mandibular teeth. A significant inverse relationship between age and pulp–tooth volume ratio was observed for all anterior teeth. (p < 0.05). The strongest correlation between age and pulp–tooth volume ratio was reported for mandibular central incisor (r = −0.58, p < 0.001) and the weakest was for mandibular lateral incisor (r = −0.36, p = 0.012). Age estimation was most accurate among females using the maxillary central incisors (p < 0.001) and among males using the mandibular central incisors and maxillary canines (p = 0.003). Pulp–tooth volume ratio of mandibular central incisors, maxillary lateral incisors, and maxillary canines in males and maxillary and mandibular central incisors, maxillary lateral incisors, and maxillary and mandibular canines in females can be used for age estimation.

Highlights

Estimation of the age in forensic dentistry is of particular importance, especially in the case of unknown persons affected by war or natural disasters, criminals and undocumented immigrants, and those injured in accidents
The present study aims to investigate the correlation between chronological age and pulp–tooth volume ratio in anterior teeth using cone beam computed tomographic (CBCT) images and provide equations for age estimation based on pulp–tooth volume ratio
The strongest correlation between age and pulp–tooth volume ratio was reported for mandibular central incisor (r = −0.58, p < 0.001) and the weakest was for mandibular lateral incisor (r = −0.36, p = 0.012) (Table 3)

Summary

Introduction

Estimation of the age in forensic dentistry is of particular importance, especially in the case of unknown persons affected by war or natural disasters, criminals and undocumented immigrants, and those injured in accidents. In forensic dentistry, to determine the age of individuals, application of dental indexes is better than those based on somatic development, as the development of teeth is less affected by hormonal and nutritional changes [1,2]. Dental age estimation is based on the growth, and biochemical and morphological alterations of teeth [3,4]. Morphological changes are preferable to the other two methods, since calcification of dental tissues is a continuous process that can be evaluated by radiography [5]. Methods based on biochemical changes in teeth, such as aspartic acid removal, are time-consuming, complex, and invasive, and are rarely used [6]. Age estimation using root development indexes such as Demirjian’s and Willem’s in adults is not applicable [9,10]

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