Age estimation using single-rooted teeth of Indian residents by modified Kvaal's method: A pilot study

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to create an age estimation formula with high sensitivity and specificity using the modified Kvaal's dental radiographic method. The parameters for age estimation were assessed by measuring the length and width of tooth, root, and pulp with the help of a stereomicroscope and digital image analysis. Materials and Methods: Only single-rooted noncarious teeth were included. A total of 203 samples of teeth, with an age ranging from 15 to 85 years, were collected, of which only 123 samples were included in the study. Images of vertically sectioned teeth specimens were captured under a stereomicroscope (version SZ-790, ×10 mm eyepiece), and parameters were measured using Adobe Photoshop. Results: Karl Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to correlate age with the dental parameters, and step-wise regression analysis was used to derive the age estimation formula. A significant correlation of age with pulp length and root and pulp width having P < 0.001 was observed, and an age estimation formula with a standard estimation error of 14 could be derived. Conclusion: Kvaal's parameter in extracted single-rooted tooth showed a better reliability and reproducibility in age estimation. Further studies with a larger sample size and tooth-specific formula using principal component analysis should be considered to validate the accuracy of the present result.