Estimation of Age Using Dimensions of Apical Foramina of Teeth

Abstract

BACKGROUND Forensic odontology is an ever growing and a flourishing science. The science deals in criminal laws by using dental knowledge. People who practice forensic odontology are called as forensic dentists. They are asked to determine the age, sex, race, occupation, previous dental history and various other determinants like DNA verification in unidentified human beings. Teeth are a very special tissue in the human body. Teeth are the only tissue which can survive through extreme climatic and environmental conditions like heat, cold etc. hence many a times retains its morphology. Age estimation has been studied by many researchers but age estimation methods have been incapable of providing the age estimation in older age groups. The study aims to determine the age using the dimensions of the apical foramen from middle age to old age groups. METHODS A descriptive ex vivo study, was done from December 2019 to March 2020. Freshly extracted teeth were collected and cleaned using hydrogen peroxide. The teeth selected were single rooted teeth like incisors, canine and premolars in the age group of 30 to 40 years, 41 - 50 years, 51 - 60 years and 61 - 70 years. Apical one third of the teeth was sectioned, mounted over a slide and placed perpendicular to the lens of the stereomicroscope. Using Mag Vision and Image J software, photomicrographs and measurements were taken. Data procured was tabulated and statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. RESULTS In 30 - 40 years age group, the mean diameter of all single rooted teeth was 0.35 mm. Among the 41 - 50 years age group, the mean diameter was 0.43mm. In 51 - 60 years age group it was 0.41mm and in the 61 - 70 years age group, the mean diameter was 0.36 mm. Pearson chi square P value for incisor is 0.280, canine is 0.223 and premolar is 0.326. CONCLUSIONS Age estimation can be done using physiological dimensions of apical foramen. From the present study, dimensions of apical foramen decreases with increasing age due to cementum deposition. KEY WORDS Age Determination, Apical Foramen Diameter, Single Rooted Teeth