Age estimation using pulp/tooth area ratio and hand wrist radiographs : A comparative study

Background: Radiological images are utilized in the process of age estimation, which is one of the essential tools in the identification in forensic science. Age estimation of bodies that are severely mutilated or decomposed either in single cases or mass graves can be done with previous dental records of the victims. Objectives: To estimate the age using pulp tooth area ratio of right mandibular canine in digital orthopantamographs (OPGs) in 30 patients. To estimate the age using hand wrist radiographs in the same patients. To compare the age estimated using OPGs and hand wrist radiographs with the chronological age of the patients. Materials and methods: 30 patients visiting the out patient department of our Dental Hospital were selected and after obtaining informed consent, hand wrist radiographs and digital OPGs were taken. Skeletal age was determined with hand wrist radiographs applying Bjork Grave and Brown method and dental age by using the pulp tooth area ratio of right mandibular canine in digital OPGs.