Role of dental pulp in age estimation: A quantitative and morphometric study

Area of Science:

• Forensic Odontology
• Dental Age Estimation
• Histopathology

Background:

• The dental pulp (DP) plays a role in age estimation.
• Age-related changes in DP components are quantifiable.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze age-related quantifiable changes in dental pulp components.
• To evaluate odontoblasts, collagen fibers, and blood vessels for age estimation.

Main Methods:

• Histopathological analysis of 120 teeth from six age groups (20-80 years).
• Evaluation of odontoblast count, mean vessel area (MVA), mean vessel diameter (MVD), and collagen fiber thickness.
• Statistical analysis using ANOVA, Fisher's test, and Regression Analysis.

Main Results:

• Decreased odontoblast numbers, MVA, and MVD with increasing age.
• Increased collagen fiber thickness with advancing age.
• All parameters showed statistically significant differences (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

• Regression formulae derived from DP components correlate linearly with age.
• Collagen fiber thickness, odontoblast numbers, and MVA showed higher accuracy.
• Combined parameters achieved 90.9% accuracy in age estimation.