Age estimation using panoramic radiography and lateral cephalogram-A comparative study

Area of Science:

• Forensic Odontology
• Radiology
• Anthropology

Background:

• Accurate age estimation is crucial for legal and forensic identification.
• Maxillofacial radiographs offer a non-invasive method for age assessment, particularly in adolescents and young adults.
• The modified Demirjian's method using third molar development on OPG and linear dimensions on lateral cephalograms are established techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the accuracy of age estimation using mandibular third molar development on Orthopantomograms (OPG) versus mandibular linear dimensions on lateral cephalograms.
• To evaluate the reliability of OPG and lateral cephalogram analyses for age determination in individuals aged 9 to 20 years.

Main Methods:

• A study of 200 individuals (100 males, 100 females) aged 9-20 years.
• Acquisition of 200 Digital Orthopantomograms (OPG) and 200 Digital Lateral Cephalograms.
• Age estimation using modified Demirjian's method on OPG and linear mandibular dimensions on lateral cephalograms, analyzed with regression analysis and Student's 't' test.

Main Results:

• Age estimation accuracy was 93.8% using OPG.
• Age estimation accuracy was 79.7% using lateral cephalograms.
• Statistical analysis confirmed a significant difference in accuracy between the two methods (P ≤ 0.05).

Conclusions:

• Digital Orthopantomogram (OPG) analysis, utilizing the modified Demirjian's method, is a more reliable and accurate method for age estimation in the 9-20 year age group compared to lateral cephalogram measurements.
• OPG analysis provides superior diagnostic value for forensic age assessment in this demographic.