Age estimation in children by measurement of open apices in teeth: a study in North Indian population

Abstract

Age estimation is a prerequisite in forensic medicine, paediatric endocrinology and orthodontic treatment. Dental development has been proven to be suitable for age determination in children because of its lower variability. The aim of this study was to evaluate the applicability of using the open apex method proposed by Cameriere et al. for age estimation in Indian children. Digitalized panoramic radiographs were retrieved from the Department of Oral Medicine & Radiology of 558 Indian children (261 girls, 297 boys) with an age range from 5 to 15 years. The seven left permanent mandibular teeth were evaluated for length and open apices. Dental maturity was evaluated using measurements of the seven left permanent mandibular teeth (xi = Ai/Li, i = 1,...,7), the sum of the normalized open apices (s) and the number (N0) of teeth with root development complete. Using a stepwise multiple regression model, a relationship between open apices, N0 and age was evaluated. Statistical analysis revealed high accuracy with the morphological variables explaining 88.5% of the variations in estimated chronological age. This research suggests an open apex method could be successful for age estimation in Indian children and could be applied in legal issues pertaining to forensic medicine.