Reliability of Kvaal′s and Cameriere′s methods of age estimation in a specific populace in central India

Abstract

Context: Comparison between antemortem and postmortem dental records and radiographs produces results with a high degree of reliability and relative simplicity. Kvaal et al. introduced an age estimation method by indirectly measuring secondary dentin deposition on radiographs. Cameriere et al., later, put forth a method based on radiographic estimation of pulp/tooth area ratio (AR) in canines. The purpose of the present study was to assess the reliability of various teeth in Kvaal's and Cameriere's methods of age estimation in a specific populace in Central India. Materials and Methods: One hundred and ten patients aged between 15 and 75 years were selected, and the variables P = complete pulp length/root length (from enamel-cementum junction [ECJ] to root apex), r = complete pulp length/complete tooth length, a = complete pulp length/root width at ECJ level, b = pulp/root width at midpoint level between ECJ level and mid-root level, and c = pulp/root width at mid-root level and pulp/tooth AR were recorded as devised in Kvaal's and Cameriere's methods of age estimation, respectively. Statistical Analysis: Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS (version 10.5) package. Mean comparison of morphological variables was carried out using Student's t-test. Intra- and inter-observer reproducibility of measurements was studied using the concordance correlation coefficient. Results: Comparing between Kvaal's and Cameriere's methods, results of the latter method were found to be more accurate in predicting age. Conclusion: Kvaal's method showed varying results for different teeth, but Cameriere's method was more consistent, accurate and showed less variability.