Comparison of radiological dental age estimation by means of the method by Cameriere and the modified European formula

Abstract

Introduction. Dental age apart from skeletal age is an important factor in the estimation of biological age of patients. Its evaluation is crucial in making decisions concerning diagnostic algorithms and treatment options in such fields of medicine as paedodontics, conservative dentistry, orthodontics, paediatrics or endocrinology as well as for forensic purposes. There are various methods of radiological dental age estimation and their validity is related to the studied population. Aim. The aim of the paper is to estimate dental age by means of two radiological methods based on panoramic radiographs, i.e. the original method by Cameriere and the modified European formula. Material and methods. The material consisted of 2148 digital radiographs taken in patients of both genders, aged from 5 to 15 years, with visible germs of all permanent teeth, apart from third molars. Two methods by Cameriere were applied – the original one and the European formula. Statistical analysis was performed. Results. Dental age obtained by means of the two Cameriere’s methods was significantly different from chronological age (Wilcoxon’s test, p < 0.001). However, in the case of the original method the mean dental age was lower than the chronological one, while the European formula led to the overestimation of dental age. Conclusions. The European formula is more suitable for the evaluation of the Polish population than the original method by Cameriere.