Raman Microspectrometry: An Alternative Method of Age Estimation from Dentin and Cementum

Abstract

Introduction: Raman spectroscopy is simple, quick, sensitive and non destructive form of tissue examination that provides vital data about the structure, molecular composition and interactions within a sample. The human hard tissues like teeth and bone are able to resist decay for long even after other tissues are lost, thus have valuable forensic importance. Aim: To ascertain the known age of the teeth by analysing dentin and cementum using Raman microspectrometry and assess the accuracy of age estimation by comparison of dentin with cementum. Materials and Methods: The sound permanent extracted tooth specimens (40) of age ranging between 12-74 years were collected and sectioned longitudinally and different dentinal and cemental areas were analysed by Raman microspectrometry. The spectra of dentin and cementum were used as predictors of age estimation. For each sample, ratios were obtained for dentin and cementum areas, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient was calculated. Ratios, which had a correlation coefficient greater than 0.40 were used for further statistical analysis. This led to selection of ratios only for dentin areas, and it allowed us to develop a regression formula. Partial Least Square (PLS) regression method was used for computing our model. Results: A significant correlation was observed between the actual chronological age and predicted age of the individual using dentinal areas of the tooth. A closest to the estimated result was achieved, with an error of three years between predicted and actual chorological age. Conclusion: Raman microspectrometry may be considered as an alternative to the conventional method of age estimation and contribute to the identification of individuals.

Keywords

• Chronological age
• Forensic dentistry
• Forensic odontology