Age estimation using maxillary canine pulp/tooth area ratio, with an application of Kvaal's methods on digital orthopantomographs in a Turkish sample

Abstract

The present study was designed to test the applicability of Kvaal's method on digital orthopantomographs and to develop a new formula measuring pulp/tooth area ratio from periapical X-rays in a group of individuals living in Central Anatolia. Orthopantomographs and periapical X-rays of 114 patients aged between 17-72 years were selected. According to reported technique, three mandibular teeth were evaluated in each orthopantomogram with Kvaal's method. Additionally, the pulp/tooth area ratio was measured on periapical X-rays of maxillary canine. Correlations between real age and morphological variables were calculated for all teeth using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Kvaal's method on digital panoramic radiographs gave acceptable results (standard deviation, SD = 5.9 to 7.9 years) that were close to the original. In addition, regression equations were developed to estimate age from morphological variables and the best results were achieved using the regression equation for the maxillary canine with a pulp/tooth area ratio (standard error of estimate, SEE = +/- 6.75; coefficient of determination R-2 = 0.67). There was no significant difference between observed and estimated age for age groups and gender based on the established regression equations. With this particular study group, the equations presented in the study gave more accurate results than Kvaal's original equations and may be considered more suitable for a Turkish population.