Age estimation using non destructive approach: A comparative forensic analysis

Introduction: In the field of forensic science, age assessment through teeth is believed to be the most appropriate and reliable source of age estimation in contrast to other skeletal remains. Aims and Objectives: The present examination was directed with the aim (i) To assess the area of pulp (AP) and area of tooth (AT) of various teeth using digital dental radiographs (ii) To correlate chronological age of the subjects with AP/AT. Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of Radiovisiographs (RVGs) of 320 subjects (160 males and 160 females) having age ranged from 15 to 54 years. Two radiographic measurements (AP and AT) were performed on RVGs of four monoradicular teeth (maxillary canine, mandibular canine, maxillary second premolar and mandibular first premolar) using computer-aided imaging software ADOBE Photoshop version CS6. AP/AT was calculated for each sample. Data was subjected to correlation and regression analysis using SPSS version 21. Results: A significant negative correlation was reported between chronological age and AP/AT of four teeth. Gender-wise and teeth-wise linear regression equations were derived. For analysis, Pearson correlation and descriptive statistics was done. AP/AT of maxillary second premolar was better correlated with chronological age followed by maxillary canine in both the genders. Conclusion: The outcome of study demonstrated that the AP/AT of monoradicular teeth is a reliable statistical tool for age estimation. Maxillary second premolar and Maxillary canine was observed to be more appropriate for age estimation when contrasted with mandibular canine and mandibular first premolar.