Age Estimation by Kvaal's Method Using Digital Panoramic Radiographs in the Saudi Population.

Abstract

IntroductionIn forensic literature, estimating an individual's age has garnered a lot of attention. With increasing age, the size of the dental pulp cavity shrinks as a result of secondary dentin deposits. This could be used as a measure of age. Aside from morphological approaches, radiological approaches might be used to analyze this regression shift. Kvaal's method calculates the chronological age of individuals based on the age-pulp size relationship on periapical dental radiographs.PurposeThis study aims to use Kvaal's method to estimate the chronological age of patients using digital panoramic radiographs and verify the validity of regression equations proposed by Kvaal et al. in the Saudi population.Material and methodsA total of 74 digital orthopantomograms were randomly selected from Qassim University Dental Clinic in Saudi Arabia, ranging in age from 18 to 64 years (mean age 32 years). The radiographs were taken between 2018 and 2021 according to inclusion and exclusion criteria.ResultsWhen the Kvaal technique was applied to Saudi members, there was no statistically significant discrepancy between the estimated and chronological ages. The coefficient of determination R2 was highest when three mandibular teeth were evaluated together (0.752).ConclusionThe most accurate indicator for age assessment was "M" (mean worth, all things considered) and "W L" (contrast among "Width" and "Length").