Age estimation based on extracted single rooted teeth using modified Kvaal's method in an Indian population

Introduction: Several developmental and regressive changes of teeth shown with advancing age are found to be valuable in age determination. With advancing age there is a reduction in the size of the pulp due to secondary dentin deposition, and measurement of this reduction can be used as a parameter to assess the age of an individual. Kvaal et al. used radiological determination of reduction in pulp cavity size, and this was entered in a regression formula for estimating age. Secondary dentin deposition, however, may be influenced both by environmental conditions and genetic background. Thus, a population-specific formula can improve age estimation; this method requires further validation in non- European populations. Kvaal's method of using IOPA as a diagnostic tool has disadvantages like projection geometry causing distortion and magnification of images. Hence, the present study aims to correlate the age of the tooth by morphological evaluation by using Kvaal's parameters in extracted single rooted teeth under a stereomicroscope. Material and Method: Single rooted extracted tooth were measured for parameters such as tooth length, pulp length and root length as well as the width of root and pulp at 3 levels; level A: At cement-enamel junction (CEJ), level B: at one quarter of the root length from CEJ, level C: mid root level. Stepwise regression analysis was done. Results & Discussion: The present study showed the significance of pulp length, root width, and pulp width in age estimation. We derived a combined and gender-specific regression formula for age estimation. In this study males showed better age prediction, as there is a difference in dentin deposition between the sexes. The pattern of secondary dentin deposition varies among different groups of teeth; hence, tooth specific formulae should be derived. Conclusion: This study suggests that age estimation can be done by using a stereomicroscope to consider pulp length, and root and pulp width parameters. However, further studies with larger sample sizes and an equal distribution of age and gender should be considered in order to validate the accuracy of the present results. Keywords: forensic, Kvaal's method, teeth