Estimation of age by calculating pulp-to-tooth area ratio using CBCT in maxillary central incisors: A retrospective cross-sectional preliminary analysis on the Hyderabad population

Abstract

Background: A crucial component of forensic sciences is the determination of an individual’s age. Traditionally for age estimation, pulp-to-tooth area ratio measurements from periapical radiographs have been used. A novel technique for obtaining three-dimensional images of teeth in living people is cone-beam computed tomography. Objectives: The purpose of the present study is to use pulp-to-tooth area ratios of the maxillary central incisor in three planes; axial at CEJ level, mid sagittal, and mid coronal—to determine an individual’s age. Methods: Fifty cone-beam computed tomography images of maxillary central incisors were studied in all three planes: axial plane (CEJ level), mid-sagittal plane, and mid-coronal plane to obtain pulp-to-tooth area ratio on NNT viewer software version 13. The values were statistically analysed using SPSS software version 24.0 for regression analysis, the standard error of estimate, and coefficient of determination (R2). The correlation between the age obtained and the chronological age was then computed. Results: The data showed statistically significant results when the age using regression equation was calculated in the mid-axial and mid-coronal sections in comparison to the mid-sagittal plane (P value <.000). Conclusion: Maxillary central incisor yielded promising results in predicting age in the present study. A population-specific equation for more stable age estimation is desirable.