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. 2013 Jul;5(2):118-22.
doi: 10.4103/0975-1475.119778.

Age estimation by using dental radiographs

Piyush G Limdiwala  1 , J S Shah
Affiliations

Age estimation by using dental radiographs

Piyush G Limdiwala et al. J Forensic Dent Sci. 2013 Jul.

Abstract

Background: Estimation of age is important in forensic sciences as a way to establish the identity of human remains. Of the various parts of the body used in age estimation, teeth are the least affected by the taphonomic process. Their durability means that they are sometimes the only body part available for study. Several methods of age estimation have been studied using bone and teeth, and among them, tooth wear and apposition of secondary dentine are the currently available non-destructive methods.

Objectives: The purpose of the study was to determine the age of adults by using Kvaal's method as well as to establish the relationship of chronological age and dental age with its reliability and limitations on digital panoramic radiographs.

Materials and methods: The present study was based on panoramic radiographs that consisted of two groups. One hundred orthopantomographs with Kvaal's criteria (Group A) and 50 orthopantomographs without Kvaal's criteria (Group B) were included. Various parameters were measured and the result was analyzed by means of SPSS-12.0 program statistical data.

Result and conclusion: On the basis of Kvaal's criteria, the difference between chronological age and real age was 8.3 years. This suggests that the accuracy of this method depends on the precision of measurements and quality and number of the orthopantomographs.

Keywords: Age estimation; Kvaal's method; orthopantomographs; panoramic radiographs; pulp/tooth area ratio; secondary dentine.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: None declared

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Diagram showing tooth measurements according to Kvaal et al.: T, tooth length; R, root length on the mesial surface; P, maximum pulp length; A, root and pulp width at enamel–cementum junction (ECJ); B, root and pulp width midway between measurement levels A and C; C, root and pulp width midway between apex and ECJ
Figure 2
Figure 2
Measurement of mandibular teeth by dragging cursor from one point to other, with three measurements at a time with different color indications
Graph 1
Graph 1
Comparison of calculated age with actual age – Group A
Graph 2
Graph 2
Comparison of calculated age with actual age – Group B
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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