Comparative Evaluation of Modified Kvaal’s Formula and Coronal Pulp Cavity Index in the Pune Population – A Cone-beam Computed Tomography-based Retrospective Study

Abstract

Introduction: The uniqueness of the human dentition serves its wide acceptance in the identification of individual in forensic science. Aim and Objectives: To estimate the accuracy of age by using modified Kvaal’s formula and coronal pulp cavity index (CPCI) and compare the standard error and establish the technique among the Pune population. Materials and Methods: Four hundred cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were randomly selected with satisfying the established criteria. The second premolar was included in the study and the maximum length of tooth, root, and pulp was measured using modified Kvaal’s method and CPCI by using Planmeca CBCT machine with Romexis-three-dimensional imaging software. Results: The results were analyzed using the Chi-square test and ANOVA. Modified Kvaal’s formula was found to be the better followed by CPCI in the estimation of age among Indians with lesser error in prior. Conclusion: Modified Kvaal’s formula is precise, noninvasive, and most reliable biomarker for age estimation than tooth-coronal index.

Keywords

• cone-beam computed tomography
• forensic odontology
• human identification