Accuracy of age estimation using root dentin translucency in Peruvian adults. A pilot study

Age estimation is an important forensic resource in human identification. Amongst the different methods of dental age estimation, root dentin transparency (RDT) is considered a reliable parameter, as well as an indicator of chronological age at time of death in human adult remains. The aim of this study was to estimate the age of individuals using the Bang and Ramm method and to derive a new formula suitable for age estimation in the Peruvian population by assessing the length and percentage length of RDT.

The sample consisted of 248 teeth collected from 124 deceased individuals, between the ages of 30 and 70 years. RDT length was digitally measured from sectioned and photographed teeth. Linear and quadratic regressions were made to derive Peruvian formulae and the new formulae were applied to another group of samples (n=30).

Data showed a significant correlation (p<0.01) between chronological age and translucency length (Pearson´s correlation=0.775) and percentage length (Pearson´s correlation=0.778). Linear and quadratic regressions for obtaining Peruvian formulae showed that quadratic equations expressed greater determination coefficients. Comparisons between estimated age using Peruvian formulae showed that dental age from percentage of length of RDT a higher percentage of estimates with errors <± 05 and <± 10 years. The accuracy of the new Peruvian formula using the percentage of length of RDT (MAE=7.83) can be considered acceptable.

As shown in the results, age estimation using the Peruvian formula derived from the percentage of length of RDT has proven to be more accurate than estimates using the Bang and Ramm method. Thus, it could be used in age estimation for Peruvian individuals, as it is the most accurate methods and provides a larger number of acceptable estimates.