Age estimation based on the volume change in the maxillary premolar crown using micro CT

Area of Science:

• Forensic Anthropology
• Dental Anatomy
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Dental age estimation is crucial in forensic and clinical settings.
• Tooth morphology changes predictably with age, offering reliable aging markers.
• Existing methods often lack precision or require destructive analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a non-destructive age estimation method using internal crown structures of maxillary premolars.
• To investigate the correlation between pulp volume ratio and chronological age.
• To establish a regression equation for accurate age prediction based on dental metrics.

Main Methods:

• Micro CT scanning was used for non-destructive analysis of 111 maxillary premolars (first and second) from individuals aged 20-79.
• Pulp volume ratio (PVR) was calculated, considering enamel presence (PVR (E-)).
• Regression analysis correlated PVR (E-) with actual age to derive age estimation equations.

Main Results:

• The pulp volume ratio, specifically PVR (E-), demonstrated the highest correlation with chronological age among the measured parameters.
• Two regression equations were derived, showing a strong linear relationship between PVR (E-) and age.
• The derived equations provide a quantitative method for age estimation from maxillary premolars.

Conclusions:

• Pulp volume ratio (PVR (E-)) of maxillary premolars is a reliable indicator for non-destructive dental age estimation in adults.
• This method offers a precise and accessible approach for forensic and clinical age assessment.
• Further research can explore this technique in diverse populations and other tooth types.