Age estimation based on pulp/tooth volume ratio using CBCT: a study on mandibular canines.

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to estimate chronological age by evaluating the pulp/tooth volume ratio (PV/TV) in mandibular canine teeth using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images and to assess its correlation with age.

METHODS

A total of 240 CBCT scans of individuals aged 17-72 years, with a balanced sex distribution, were analyzed retrospectively. Pulp and tooth volumes were measured using 3D Slicer, and the PV/TV ratio was calculated. Correlations with chronological age were assessed using Pearson's correlation and linear regression. Model performance was evaluated via mean absolute error (MAE) and root mean square error (RMSE).

RESULTS

The PV/TV ratio showed a strong negative correlation with age (r = - 0.710, p < 0.001). Regression analysis yielded R² values of 0.549 for males, 0.455 for females, and 0.504 for the total sample. The model achieved a prediction error of ± 3.69 years (60% CI) and ± 7.24 years (95% CI), with MAE and RMSE values of 8.41 and 11.19 years, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The pulp/tooth volume ratio measured from CBCT images can serve as a moderately reliable predictor for dental age estimation. The regression model developed using PV/TV provides an acceptable error margin, particularly within forensic and anthropological contexts.