Age Estimation by Quantitative Cytomorphometric Study Using Buccal Mucosal Cells and Panoramic Radiography: A Comparative Forensic Study

Abstract

Aim This study aims to estimate the age of an individual using buccal cells by calculating the average cell size and comparing with pulp/tooth area ratio on mandibular canine and linear measurements related to mental foramen using panoramic radiography (PR). Materials and Methods One hundred healthy individuals undergoing PR for various dental procedures were included in this study after obtaining consent. Pulp/tooth ratio using Cameriere et al. method on mandibular canine and linear measurements related to mental foramen, i.e., the distance between the superior and inferior border of the mandible (S-I) and the mandible’s superior border to the superior margin of the mental foramen (S-sM) were estimated using Adobe Photoshop image editing software. Later, buccal smears obtained from the same individual were fixed with 95% alcohol and stained with Papanicolaou’s stain for cytomorphometric analysis. The age was calculated using the regression analysis and correlated with chronological age. Results Statistical significance and better correlation were obtained pulp/tooth area ratio, the distance of S-I of all age groups. However, the distance of S-sM proved to be more effective in Group 4 (51–60 years) and buccal cell size was found to be comparable to the chronological age particularly in Group 5 (above 60 years). Conclusion In the present study, the accuracy of estimated age compared to the chronological age was more promising for pulp/tooth area ratio, followed by S-I, S-sM, and cell size.