Age estimation from morphometric features of maxillary central incisors using CBCT images.

BACKGROUND

Forensic dentistry is crucial in human identification, with dental age estimation being a key component of this process. The deposition of secondary dentin over an individual's lifetime, along with the resulting changes in tooth anatomy, serves as an important factor in age estimation. The objective of this study was to develop regression equations for estimating age in adults based on linear measurements and ratios obtained from axial, sagittal, and coronal planes of the maxillary central incisors in the Iraqi subpopulation using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).

METHODS

In this retrospective cross-sectional study, Multiplanar measurements of 400 maxillary central incisors from subjects ranging in age from 18 to 84 years were taken for a sample of 200 CBCTs. The data were analyzed using independent Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney test, and Spearman's and Pearson's correlation coefficients to determine the strength of correlations. Multiple regression analysis was performed to predict age, and a p-value of ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

The age range of the participants was 18-84 years. The results revealed a statistically significant difference in age between male and female samples (p = 0.018). Consequently, separate age estimation equations were developed for each sex. In males, the equation derived from multiplanar linear measurements demonstrated a standard error of estimate (SEE) of ± 10.84 years, with a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.49. In contrast, the equation for females, based on multiplanar measurements, yielded a SEE of ± 11.11 years and an R² value of 0.393.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the findings of this study, dental morphometric measurement of maxillary central incisors using CBCT was found to be an acceptable method for age estimation especially for identification of unknow human remains. Horizontal measurements improve the accuracy of age estimate equations.