Age estimation by evaluation of pulp chamber to crown volume of central incisor and first molar of maxilla, using Cone-Beam CT

Abstract

Objectives: This study examines the relationship between chronological age and the ratio of pulp chamber volume to crown volume in maxillary central incisors and first molars. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is used to measure the pulp chamber size, which decreases following the eruption of the tooth. Study design: The study focused on age estimation using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of 156 patients from Mashhad Dental School (67 maxillary central incisors and 42 maxillary first molars). We stratified the age range into three groups: 18–27 years, 28–37 years, and 38–49 years. The study used Planmeca ProMax 3D and ITK-SNAP 3.4.0 software for segmentation and volume quantification. The data was analyzed using PASW Statistics 18 software, with descriptive statistics and linear regression analysis for age estimation. Results: This study created a mathematical model for calculating chronological age, taking into account factors such as pulp-to-crown volume ratio, gender, and tooth type. Results showed no significant difference in mean age between male and female subjects, and the average pulp-to-crown volume ratio remained consistent across genders and tooth types. Conclusion: The study uses CBCT to estimate Iranian population age using maxillary central incisors and first molars. The pulp chamber to crown volume ratio is reliable for 28–37 years, but accuracy decreases with age. Larger sample sizes and other teeth could improve estimation.

Keywords

• Cone-beam computed tomography
• Dental pulp cavity
• Age estimation
• Single upper central incisor
• Maxillary molar teeth