Age estimation standards for a Western Australian population using the coronal pulp cavity index

Area of Science:

• Forensic Anthropology
• Odontology
• Radiology

Background:

• Accurate age estimation is crucial for biological profiling in forensic investigations.
• Current needs include age assessment for refugees, asylum seekers, and criminal responsibility.
• Simple, non-invasive, and ethically viable age estimation methods are required.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the coronal pulp cavity index for age estimation in an adult Western Australian population.
• To develop age estimation standards using this dental metric.
• To test the reliability and applicability of the method for forensic use.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 450 orthopantomograms from Australian individuals (220 females, 230 males).
• Measurement of crown and coronal pulp chamber heights in mandibular premolars and molars.
• Calculation of the tooth coronal index and development of age estimation models using regression analysis.

Main Results:

• The most accurate simple linear regression model used the mandibular right first molar (SEE ±8.271 years).
• Multiple regression models significantly improved accuracy, with bilateral first and second molars yielding the best results (SEE ±6.692 years).
• This is the first study of this method in a Western Australian population.

Conclusions:

• The coronal pulp cavity index method is reliable and suitable for forensic age estimation in Western Australians.
• Dental measurements from orthopantomograms provide a viable tool for age assessment.
• The findings contribute to developing robust age estimation standards for forensic applications.