Accuracy of Age Estimation using Cameriere’s European Formula and London Atlas Method among the Children of Dakshina Kannada Population – A Comparative Study

Abstract

Background: Accurate age estimation in children is crucial for forensic and clinical purposes. Cameriere’s method and the London Atlas method were established techniques for estimating dental age, but they were developed for populations with different genetic and environmental factors than those in Dakshina Kannada, Southern India. Objectives: This study aimed to compare these two age estimation methods to determine which provides more precise age estimates for the Dakshina Kannada population. Methods: A total of 224 archived digitized panoramic radiographs of healthy children (107 males and 117 females) in the age group of 5 to 16 years were retrieved and analyzed. A paired t-test was used to compare chronological and dental age estimation methods. The methods were considered equivalent if the average difference is within ± 1 year, with a P < 0.05 and a 95% confidence interval between −1 and 1 year. Accuracy was measured using root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE) for methods like Cameriere’s equation and the London Atlas. Analysis was performed using R version 4.3.1. Results: The mean chronological age of the sample was 10.85 ± 3.11 years. Using Cameriere’s method, the mean estimated age was 10.19 ± 2.52 years, showing a significant underestimation. In contrast, the London Atlas method provided a mean estimated age of 11.21 ± 3.136 years, indicating a significant overestimation. The overall RMSE and MAE for Cameriere’s method are 1.627 and 1.267, respectively, while for the London Atlas, the overall RMSE and MAE are 1.447 and 0.962, respectively. Conclusions: The London Atlas method, with its simpler application and minimal error, demonstrated greater accuracy compared to Cameriere’s method for the Dakshina Kannada population.

Keywords

• age determination by teeth
• cameriere’s method
• chronological age
• digital panoramic radiograph
• forensic dentistry
• tooth development