Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 13, 2025
A Finite Element Approach for Locating the Center of Resistance of Maxillary Teeth
Published on: April 8, 2020
Age estimation based on pulp/tooth volume ratio using CBCT: a study on mandibular canines
İbrahim Burak Yüksel1, Ali Altındağ2
1Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, 42090, Turkey.
Background:
This study aimed to estimate chronological age by evaluating the pulp/tooth volume ratio (PV/TV) in mandibular canine teeth using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images and to assess its correlation with age.
Methods:
A total of 240 CBCT scans of individuals aged 17-72 years, with a balanced sex distribution, were analyzed retrospectively. Pulp and tooth volumes were measured using 3D Slicer, and the PV/TV ratio was calculated. Correlations with chronological age were assessed using Pearson's correlation and linear regression. Model performance was evaluated via mean absolute error (MAE) and root mean square error (RMSE).
Results:
The PV/TV ratio showed a strong negative correlation with age (r = - 0.710, p < 0.001). Regression analysis yielded R² values of 0.549 for males, 0.455 for females, and 0.504 for the total sample. The model achieved a prediction error of ± 3.69 years (60% CI) and ± 7.24 years (95% CI), with MAE and RMSE values of 8.41 and 11.19 years, respectively.
Conclusion:
The pulp/tooth volume ratio measured from CBCT images can serve as a moderately reliable predictor for dental age estimation. The regression model developed using PV/TV provides an acceptable error margin, particularly within forensic and anthropological contexts.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Teeth
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin...
01:21Tooth Anatomy
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or...