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Age estimation using microfocus X-ray computed tomography of lower premolars.
H Aboshi1, T Takahashi, T Komuro
1Department of Legal Medicine, Nihon University School of Dentistry, 1-8-13, Kanda-Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-8310, Japan. aboshi@dent.nihon-u.ac.jp
Forensic Science International
|April 13, 2010
Summary
Dental pulp volume decreases with age. This study developed an age estimation method using the pulp-tooth volume ratio (PTVR) calculated from micro-CT scans of premolars, showing reasonable accuracy.
Area of Science:
- Forensic dentistry
- Anthropology
- Radiology
Background:
- Dental pulp undergoes age-related morphological and volumetric changes.
- Accurate age estimation is crucial in forensic and anthropological contexts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a novel age estimation method.
- To investigate the relationship between pulp-tooth volume ratio (PTVR) and chronological age.
Main Methods:
- Microfocus X-ray computed tomography (micro-CT) was used to obtain 3D images of 100 human premolars.
- Pulp and tooth volumes were measured at four defined levels (L(1)-L(4)).
- Pulp-tooth volume ratios (PTVR(1-4)) were calculated and analyzed using multiple regression.
Main Results:
- PTVR gradually decreased with increasing age, most notably between ages 20-50.
- The coronal one third of the root (L(2)) showed the highest PTVR values and the steepest age-related reduction.
- Multiple regression analysis yielded coefficients of determination of 0.625 for lower first and 0.698 for lower second premolars.
Conclusions:
- Pulp-tooth volume ratio is a reliable, age-dependent indicator.
- This method provides a reasonably accurate approach for dental age estimation.
- The L(2) level (coronal one third of the root) is particularly significant for age estimation.
