Forensic Age Estimation by Maxillary and Mandibular Canines Pulp-Tooth Ratio Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography in Adult Population of Peshawar, Pakistan

Abstract

Age estimation is a vital aspect of forensic sciences and numerous age estimation methods are suggested in dentistry, emphasizing the need for easy and quick technique appropriate for adults. Forensic age estimation can be performed using physical, biochemical, histological, and radiological methods. However, Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) offers a promising approach in this regard. Objective: To estimate the age on the basis of maxillary and mandibular canines’ Pulp-Tooth Ratio (PTR) using CBCT in adults and developing age estimation standards for local population based on PTR. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed at Prime Teaching Hospital, Operative Dentistry and Oral Surgery department of Peshawar Dental College, and Khyber Teaching Hospital for Dentistry, Peshawar, from October 2019 to April 2020. CBCT images of maxillary and mandibular canines of 222 individuals were taken using consecutive sampling technique. PTR was estimated and correlation between age and PTR was determined using linear regression. Results: The mean documented age of patients was 36.31 ± 13.44 years. When linear regression was run on individual parameters, only upper left maxillary tooth area (mm2) was found significant with p < 0.01 and R = 0.132, with regression model as Age = 26.64 + 0.072 (x).  The overall model was found as, Age (years) = 35.519 -0.165 (Upper right maxillary tooth area (mm2) + 0.298 (Upper right maxillary pulp area (mm2)) + 0.316 (Upper left maxillary tooth area (mm2)) + 0.090 (Upper left maxillary pulp area (mm2)) -0.102 (Lower left mandibular tooth area (mm2)) -0.211 (Lower left mandibular pulp area (mm2)) -0.087(lower right mandibular tooth area (mm2)) + 0.082 (lower right mandibular pulp area (mm2)). Conclusions: Age can be estimated by maxillary and mandibular canines’ PTR using CBCT. Using the obtained regression model, age estimation for the adult population can be performed using CBCT scans.