Dental age estimation using cone-beam computed tomography: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Forensic Dentistry
• Radiology
• Anthropology

Background:

• Dental age estimation is crucial in forensic and anthropological contexts.
• Assessing chronological age through dental features requires reliable methodologies.
• Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) offers detailed 3D imaging of dental structures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and meta-analyze the correlation between chronological age and dental pulp volume.
• To evaluate the efficacy of CBCT in dental age estimation.
• To explore potential differences in this correlation based on sex and tooth type.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted across four major databases.
• Studies reporting the correlation coefficient (r) between chronological age and pulp volume were included.
• A random-effect meta-analysis and subgroup analyses (sex, tooth type) were performed.

Main Results:

• Twenty-seven studies involving 5693 teeth met the inclusion criteria.
• A strong negative correlation (r = -0.67) was found between chronological age and dental pulp volume in the overall population.
• Significant inverse relationships were observed in both men (r = -0.75) and women (r = -0.77).

Conclusions:

• CBCT is a reliable and repeatable tool for dental age estimation.
• A robust inverse relationship exists between pulp chamber volume and chronological age.
• Further research on multi-rooted teeth is recommended to enhance age estimation accuracy.