Age Estimation from Pulp Cavities of Human Canines and Premolars with the Help of Radiographs: Preliminary Attempts from Modern Adult Population in Indian Context

A BSTRACT Objectives: The teeth being the hardest tissue in the body are more capable of withstanding the onslaughts of time and natural agencies as compared to other components of the human body, thereby facilitating a better perspective on demography, biological affinities, diet, health, and general way of life of populations. The estimation of age from radiographs has not received adequate attention in comparison to attrition-level driven aging techniques. It is the aim of this study to develop reliable equations for age estimation of adult human population from canines and premolars in Indian context. Materials and Methods: One hundred and twenty-four canines and 103 premolars belonging to both Indian males and females of known ages (20–65 years) were chosen. The coronal indices of the pulp cavities were measured from the radiographs (intraoral periapical radiographs and orthopantomograms) following Ikeda et al . (1985; Tooth coronal index [TCI] = Coronal pulp chamber height × 100/crown height) and regressed on real ages of the individuals. The regression equations were tested on 60 premolars and 25 canines which have not been used to prepare the equations. Results: The study reveals a negative correlation between age and TCI. The estimated ages have shown a maximum error of ± 6 years. The approximate mean difference between real ages and estimated ages has been 2 years in case of canines and 1 year in case of premolars. Conclusion: The present work demonstrates that regressive equations derived from TCI are applicable for age estimation in 20–65 years of age groups in Indian population. Age estimation by TCI is precise and noninvasive. It is the nondestructive character of this method which makes it all the more applicable in case of anthropological remains.