Age estimation by Antegonial Angle, depth measurement and tooth coronal index by digital panoramic radiography

Abstract

Background: Estimating age in alive humans is a recent area undergoing exploration in forensic sciences. The relationship of pulp size and age as seen in radiographs is utilized by TCI (tooth coronal Index) for age estimation. Aim: The present study was carried out to use a cost-effective and simple method of estimating age using morphometric analysis of dental pulp. Methods: The study was completed on 160 subjects classified into 4 groups based on age including 21-30, 31-40, 41-50, and 51-60 years, followed by capturing digital radiographs (either OPG/ RVG). Morphometric analysis was then done using antegonial angle, depth, and TCI for age estimation, and the results were made. Results: Coronal height of pulp, coronal height in the millimeters, and TCI on OPG were seen as 8.24±1.02, 2.55±0.66, and 30.48±6.59 respectively for 2nd premolar. For 1st molars, respective values of TCI, the coronal height of pulp, and coronal height were seen as 29.16±6.43, 2.65±0.68, and 9.01±1.05 respectively. Antegonial depth for the right side was 2.39±1.17, whereas, for the left side, it was 2.28±1.09. The result was statistically significant with p=0.015.