Evaluation of the accuracy of age estimation based on ratio of pulp chamber to crown volume of the anterior teeth: A CBCT study

Aim

The aim of the present study is to assess the accuracy of age estimation usingthe pulp chamber volume/crown volume ratio (PV/CV), thereby enhancing the methodologies previously used that relied on the pulp volume/tooth volume ratio within the context of age estimation in forensic dentistry.Methods: A total of 101 Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) images were selected corresponding to subjects aged between 15 and 65 years old. The central,lateral, and canine maxillary teeth of each subject were evaluated. The CBCT images were imported into the Mimics software, and a total of six masks were created for each subject (3 for the pulp chambers and 3 for the crown of the teeth). Then, the calculated volumes were divided to define the PV/CV ratio for each tooth.

Results

There is a significant and inverse correlation between the age and PV/CV of central, lateral, and canine (P values < 0.001). Moreover, comparing the coefficient of correlation (R2) of the three models, the correlation was strongest in the central tooth,followed by lateral and canine teeth. considering all three indices simultaneously usingmultiple linear regression led to minor changes in the goodness-of-fit indicators. There was no statistically significant difference between the two genders in all indices.

Conclusion

The measuring technique used in the presented study is faster and more accurate than previously used methods, which yields high coefficient of correlation. It is suggested to replace the former methods of measuring tooth volume with this novel approach.