Age estimation based on the volume change in the maxillary premolar crown using micro CT

Leg Med (Tokyo). 2019 Mar:37:18-24. doi: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2018.12.001. Epub 2018 Dec 15.

Abstract

Age is often estimated using teeth because numerous external and internal changes appear due to aging. The purpose of this study was to investigate an age estimation method based on the volume ratio of the internal structure of the crown. 61 maxillary first premolars and 50 maxillary second premolars from subjects aged 20-79 years old were used. Micro CT, which can be used to analyze teeth in a non-destructive manner with high sensitivity, was employed in the present study. In consideration of individual differences among subjects, the volume ratio was calculated for the following four items: The pulp chamber was calculated separately based on the presence of enamel.In order to estimate age, regression analysis was conducted with the actual age as the dependent variable and each volume ratio as the independent variable. As a result, the highest correlation was found with PVR (E-) for each measurement item. Therefore, the regression equation using the volume change of the maxillary premolar crown as an index was as follows: Age = -12.43 × 4: PVR (E-) + 69.85. Age = -12.94 × 5: PVR (E-) + 72.54.

Keywords: Age estimation; Forensic odontology; Maxillary premolar; Micro CT; Pulp chamber.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Determination by Teeth / methods*
  • Aged
  • Aging / pathology*
  • Bicuspid / diagnostic imaging*
  • Bicuspid / pathology
  • Dental Enamel / diagnostic imaging
  • Dental Enamel / pathology
  • Dental Pulp Cavity / diagnostic imaging
  • Dental Pulp Cavity / pathology
  • Female
  • Forensic Dentistry / methods*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Maxilla*
  • Middle Aged
  • Tooth Crown / diagnostic imaging*
  • Tooth Crown / pathology
  • X-Ray Microtomography*
  • Young Adult