Dental Age Estimation in Argentine Adults Based on Lower Premolars’ Pulp/tooth Area Using Digital Orthopantomographs

The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy and applicability of a dental age estimation method in adults utilizing digital orthopantomographs (OPGs) to measure pulp/tooth area ratios in the lower premolars.The investigation was conducted on a sample of individuals residing in the city of Crdoba, Argentina.A descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study was performed using 300 digital OPGs.The pulp/tooth area of the left lower first premolar and its contralateral analog were evaluated following the protocols developed by Juneja and Cameriere.Analysis of all dimensional ratios demonstrated highly significant values when correlating both premolars with age.The most significant ratios were P, b, and AR.Regarding sex, the a, c, and AR ratios were significant, indicating a direct correlation between them.A more pronounced tendency was observed in females for ratios a and c, whereas in males the tendency was for AR.Regression analysis was conducted in accordance with the proposed model.All factors, except parameter a, demonstrated a significant effect as a predictor of individuals' age, with the AR factor being particularly notable.Subsequently, the average b and c values for the second premolar were calculated.This was followed by the calculation of the average P ratio of both premolars and finally, consideration of the sex factor.The method is reliable and accurate within the age range of 19 to 24 years but tends to overestimate ages younger than 19 and underestimate ages older than 24 years.Males exhibited lower levels of underestimation and overestimation than females.Regression analyses facilitated the development of a customized equation specific to the aforementioned study population.