The Coronal Pulp Cavity Index an aid in age determination -A Cone Beam Computed Tomography Study

Authors

  • Ceena Denny E1 , Bastian TS2 , Srikant Natarajan3 , Nithin Thilak4 , Almas Binnal5

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37506/ijfmt.v15i1.13530

Keywords:

Coronal Pulp Cavity Index, Age Estimation, Cone Beam Computed Tomography, Forensic Odontology

Abstract

Background: The objective of the present study was to assess the accuracy of age estimation from TCI of
mandibular molars (except wisdom teeth) of both sides using CBCT images of known age and sex, so that
we can apply this method to estimate age in both living individuals and skeletal material of unknown age.
Methods: A cross sectional retrospective study was conducted on a total of 100 CBCT images of subjects
who were referred to the department for varied diagnostic purposes of known age and gender. All CBCT
images with a fully visible pulp cavity were selected. Two measurements were taken at two different levels.
Height of the crown (CH) and height of the coronal pulp cavity (CPCH). Then tooth – coronal index (TCI)
for each tooth was calculated as follows: TCI = CPCH X 100 / CH.
Results: Comparison of TCI value between male and female showed no significant difference between the
gender. Among the four mandibular molars (lower left and right1stand 2nd molars) 46 and 47 TCI correlates
well with age. TCI of 46 has significant prediction of age in female with an R value of 0.426. Inter observer
measurements showed a moderate to good agreement of the measures.
Conclusions: TCI method of mandibular teeth was found to be a reliable method for age estimation and not
gender determination. CBCT can be used in age determination for forensic purposes as it is non- invasive
and also makes it possible to reconstruct the images in different planes showing the anatomical and imaged
structures at different planes.

Author Biography

  • Ceena Denny E1 , Bastian TS2 , Srikant Natarajan3 , Nithin Thilak4 , Almas Binnal5

    1Associate Professor, 2
    Professor and Head, 3
    Professor and Head, 4
    Post Graduate, Associate Professor, Department
    of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of
    Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka.India

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Published

2020-12-31

How to Cite

The Coronal Pulp Cavity Index an aid in age determination -A Cone Beam Computed Tomography Study. (2020). Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, 15(1), 896-901. https://doi.org/10.37506/ijfmt.v15i1.13530