title: Age estimation by pulp-to-tooth area ratio using cone-beam computed tomography: A preliminary analysis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Age estimation of living or deceased individuals is an important aspect of forensic sciences. Conventionally, pulp-to-tooth area ratio (PTR) measured from periapical radiographs have been utilized as a nondestructive method of age estimation. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a new method to acquire three-dimensional images of the teeth in living individuals.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The present study investigated age estimation based on PTR of the maxillary canines measured in three planes obtained from CBCT image data.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixty subjects aged 20-85 years were included in the study.
  
  
  METHODS
  For each tooth, mid-sagittal, mid-coronal, and three axial sections-cementoenamel junction (CEJ), one-fourth root level from CEJ, and mid-root-were assessed. PTR was calculated using AutoCAD software after outlining the pulp and tooth.
  
  
  METHODS
  All statistical analyses were performed using an SPSS 17.0 software program.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Linear regression analysis showed that only PTR in axial plane at CEJ had significant age correlation (r= 0.32;P< 0.05). This is probably because of clearer demarcation of pulp and tooth outline at this level.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India.
authors.forename: Arpita
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rai
authors.affiliation: Department of Forensic Odontology, S. D. M. College of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Dharwad, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Ashith B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Acharya
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, S. D. M. College of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Dharwad, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Venkatesh G
authors.initials: VG
authors.lastname: Naikmasur
keywords: Age estimation; cone beam computed tomography; forensic odontology; forensic science; pulp-to-tooth area ratio