Skip to main content
Top
Published in: International Journal of Legal Medicine 4/2016

01-07-2016 | Original Article

Age estimation based on pulp cavity/chamber volume of 13 types of tooth from cone beam computed tomography images

Authors: Zhi-pu Ge, Pan Yang, Gang Li, Ji-zong Zhang, Xu-chen Ma

Published in: International Journal of Legal Medicine | Issue 4/2016

Login to get access

Abstract

Aim

The aims of this study are to identify which type of tooth has the strong relationship between age and pulp cavity/chamber volume among 13 types of tooth from the same dentition and to determine whether the inclusion of multiple types of tooth may improve the accuracy of age estimation.

Materials and methods

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images from 115 females and 125 males aged between 16 and 63 years were analyzed. The DICOM data of all the images were imported into ITK-SNAP 2.4 for the calculation of pulp cavity/chamber volumes. Logarithmic regression analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were applied to establish the relationship between age and pulp cavity/chamber volumes.

Results

Among the 13 types of tooth, maxillary second molars have the largest R 2 (0.491, 0.642, and 0.498) and the smallest SEE (8.119, 6.754, and 8.022) in male, female, and pooled gender samples, respectively. The multiple linear regression analysis for the combination of multi-types of tooth indicated that a larger R 2 (0.627, 0.701, and 0.631) and smaller SEE (7.100, 6.258, and 6.970) than the counterpart calculated from the logarithmic regression analysis of a single type of tooth in male, female, and pooled gender samples, respectively.

Conclusion

The pulp chamber volume of the maxillary second molars has the largest correlation coefficient with age. Using multiple types of tooth may improve the accuracy of age estimation compared with only one type of tooth used.
Literature
1.
go back to reference Kringsholm B, Jakobsen J, Sejrsen B, Gregersen M (2001) Unidentified bodies/skulls found in Danish waters in the period 1992-1996. Forensic Sci Int 123(2-3):150–158CrossRef Kringsholm B, Jakobsen J, Sejrsen B, Gregersen M (2001) Unidentified bodies/skulls found in Danish waters in the period 1992-1996. Forensic Sci Int 123(2-3):150–158CrossRef
2.
go back to reference Liang XH, Tang YL, Luo E, Zhu GQ, Zhou H, Hu J, Tang XF, Wang XY (2009) Maxillofacial injuries caused by the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake in China. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 67(7):1442–1445CrossRef Liang XH, Tang YL, Luo E, Zhu GQ, Zhou H, Hu J, Tang XF, Wang XY (2009) Maxillofacial injuries caused by the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake in China. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 67(7):1442–1445CrossRef
3.
go back to reference Ardakani F, Bashardoust N, Sheikhha M (2007) The accuracy of dental panoramic radiography as an indicator of chronological age in Iranian individuals. J Forensic Odontostomatol 25(2):30–35PubMed Ardakani F, Bashardoust N, Sheikhha M (2007) The accuracy of dental panoramic radiography as an indicator of chronological age in Iranian individuals. J Forensic Odontostomatol 25(2):30–35PubMed
4.
go back to reference Panchbhai AS (2011) Dental radiographic indicators, a key to age estimation. Dentomaxillofac Radiol 40(4):199–212CrossRef Panchbhai AS (2011) Dental radiographic indicators, a key to age estimation. Dentomaxillofac Radiol 40(4):199–212CrossRef
5.
go back to reference Philippas GG, Applebaum E (1966) Age factor in secondary dentin formation. J Dent Res 45(3):778–789CrossRef Philippas GG, Applebaum E (1966) Age factor in secondary dentin formation. J Dent Res 45(3):778–789CrossRef
6.
go back to reference Solheim T (1992) Amount of secondary dentin as an indicator of age. Scand J Dent Res 100(4):193–199PubMed Solheim T (1992) Amount of secondary dentin as an indicator of age. Scand J Dent Res 100(4):193–199PubMed
7.
go back to reference Morse DR (1991) Age-related changes of the dental pulp complex and their relationship to systemic aging. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol 72(6):721–745CrossRef Morse DR (1991) Age-related changes of the dental pulp complex and their relationship to systemic aging. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol 72(6):721–745CrossRef
8.
go back to reference Morse DR, Esposito JV, Schoor RS (1993) A radiographic study of aging changes of the dental pulp and dentin in normal teeth. Quintessence Int 24(5):329–333PubMed Morse DR, Esposito JV, Schoor RS (1993) A radiographic study of aging changes of the dental pulp and dentin in normal teeth. Quintessence Int 24(5):329–333PubMed
9.
go back to reference Drusini AG, Toso O, Ranzato C (1997) The coronal pulp cavity index: a biomarker for age determination in human adults. Am J Phys Anthropol 103(3):353–363CrossRef Drusini AG, Toso O, Ranzato C (1997) The coronal pulp cavity index: a biomarker for age determination in human adults. Am J Phys Anthropol 103(3):353–363CrossRef
10.
go back to reference Kvaal SI, Kolltveit KM, Thomsen IO, Solheim T (1995) Age estimation of adults from dental radiographs. Forensic Sci Int 74(3):175–185CrossRef Kvaal SI, Kolltveit KM, Thomsen IO, Solheim T (1995) Age estimation of adults from dental radiographs. Forensic Sci Int 74(3):175–185CrossRef
11.
go back to reference Zaher JF, Fawzy IA, Habib SR, Ali MM (2011) Age estimation from pulp/tooth area ratio in maxillary incisors among Egyptians using dental radiographic images. J Forensic Leg Med 18(2):62–65CrossRef Zaher JF, Fawzy IA, Habib SR, Ali MM (2011) Age estimation from pulp/tooth area ratio in maxillary incisors among Egyptians using dental radiographic images. J Forensic Leg Med 18(2):62–65CrossRef
12.
go back to reference Karkhanis S, Mack P, Franklin D (2013) Age estimation standards for a Western Australian population using the coronal pulp cavity index. Forensic Sci Int 231(1-3):412 e1–412 e6CrossRef Karkhanis S, Mack P, Franklin D (2013) Age estimation standards for a Western Australian population using the coronal pulp cavity index. Forensic Sci Int 231(1-3):412 e1–412 e6CrossRef
13.
go back to reference Yang F, Jacobs R, Willems G (2006) Dental age estimation through volume matching of teeth imaged by cone-beam CT. Forensic Sci Int 159(Suppl 1):S78–S83CrossRef Yang F, Jacobs R, Willems G (2006) Dental age estimation through volume matching of teeth imaged by cone-beam CT. Forensic Sci Int 159(Suppl 1):S78–S83CrossRef
14.
go back to reference Star H, Thevissen P, Jacobs R, Fieuws S, Solheim T, Willems G (2011) Human dental age estimation by calculation of pulp-tooth volume ratios yielded on clinically acquired cone beam computed tomography images of monoradicular teeth. J Forensic Sci 56(Suppl 1):S77–S82CrossRef Star H, Thevissen P, Jacobs R, Fieuws S, Solheim T, Willems G (2011) Human dental age estimation by calculation of pulp-tooth volume ratios yielded on clinically acquired cone beam computed tomography images of monoradicular teeth. J Forensic Sci 56(Suppl 1):S77–S82CrossRef
15.
go back to reference Jagannathan N, Neelakantan P, Thiruvengadam C, Ramani P, Premkumar P, Natesan A, Herald JS, Luder HU (2011) Age estimation in an Indian population using pulp/tooth volume ratio of mandibular canines obtained from cone beam computed tomography. J Forensic Odontostomatol 29(1):1–6PubMedPubMedCentral Jagannathan N, Neelakantan P, Thiruvengadam C, Ramani P, Premkumar P, Natesan A, Herald JS, Luder HU (2011) Age estimation in an Indian population using pulp/tooth volume ratio of mandibular canines obtained from cone beam computed tomography. J Forensic Odontostomatol 29(1):1–6PubMedPubMedCentral
16.
go back to reference Pinchi V, Pradella F, Buti J, Baldinotti C, Focardi M, Norelli GA (2015) A new age estimation procedure based on the 3D CBCT study of the pulp cavity and hard tissues of the teeth for forensic purposes: a pilot study. J Forensic Leg Med 36:150–157CrossRef Pinchi V, Pradella F, Buti J, Baldinotti C, Focardi M, Norelli GA (2015) A new age estimation procedure based on the 3D CBCT study of the pulp cavity and hard tissues of the teeth for forensic purposes: a pilot study. J Forensic Leg Med 36:150–157CrossRef
17.
go back to reference De Angelis D, Gaudio D, Guercini N, Cipriani F, Gibelli D, Caputi S, Cattaneo C (2015) Age estimation from canine volumes. Radiol Med 120(8):731–736CrossRef De Angelis D, Gaudio D, Guercini N, Cipriani F, Gibelli D, Caputi S, Cattaneo C (2015) Age estimation from canine volumes. Radiol Med 120(8):731–736CrossRef
18.
go back to reference Tardivo D, Sastre J, Ruquet M, Thollon L, Adalian P, Leonetti G, Foti B (2011) Three-dimensional modeling of the various volumes of canines to determine age and sex: a preliminary study. J Forensic Sci 56(3):766–770CrossRef Tardivo D, Sastre J, Ruquet M, Thollon L, Adalian P, Leonetti G, Foti B (2011) Three-dimensional modeling of the various volumes of canines to determine age and sex: a preliminary study. J Forensic Sci 56(3):766–770CrossRef
19.
go back to reference Tardivo D, Sastre J, Catherine JH, Leonetti G, Adalian P, Foti B (2014) Age determination of adult individuals by three-dimensional modelling of canines. Int J Legal Med 128(1):161–169CrossRef Tardivo D, Sastre J, Catherine JH, Leonetti G, Adalian P, Foti B (2014) Age determination of adult individuals by three-dimensional modelling of canines. Int J Legal Med 128(1):161–169CrossRef
20.
go back to reference Sakuma A, Saitoh H, Suzuki Y, Makino Y, Inokuchi G, Hayakawa M, Yajima D, Iwase H (2013) Age estimation based on pulp cavity to tooth volume ratio using postmortem computed tomography images. J Forensic Sci 58(6):1531–1535CrossRef Sakuma A, Saitoh H, Suzuki Y, Makino Y, Inokuchi G, Hayakawa M, Yajima D, Iwase H (2013) Age estimation based on pulp cavity to tooth volume ratio using postmortem computed tomography images. J Forensic Sci 58(6):1531–1535CrossRef
21.
go back to reference Vandevoort FM, Bergmans L, Van Cleynenbreugel J, Bielen DJ, Lambrechts P, Wevers M, Peirs A, Willems G (2004) Age calculation using X-ray microfocus computed tomographical scanning of teeth: a pilot study. J Forensic Sci 49(4):787–790CrossRef Vandevoort FM, Bergmans L, Van Cleynenbreugel J, Bielen DJ, Lambrechts P, Wevers M, Peirs A, Willems G (2004) Age calculation using X-ray microfocus computed tomographical scanning of teeth: a pilot study. J Forensic Sci 49(4):787–790CrossRef
22.
go back to reference Someda H, Saka H, Matsunaga S, Ide Y, Nakahara K, Hirata S, Hashimoto M (2009) Age estimation based on three-dimensional measurement of mandibular central incisors in Japanese. Forensic Sci Int 185(1-3):110–114CrossRef Someda H, Saka H, Matsunaga S, Ide Y, Nakahara K, Hirata S, Hashimoto M (2009) Age estimation based on three-dimensional measurement of mandibular central incisors in Japanese. Forensic Sci Int 185(1-3):110–114CrossRef
23.
go back to reference Agematsu H, Someda H, Hashimoto M, Matsunaga S, Abe S, Kim HJ, Koyama T, Naito H, Ishida R, Ide Y (2010) Three-dimensional observation of decrease in pulp cavity volume using micro-CT: age-related change. Bull Tokyo Dent Coll 51(1):1–6CrossRef Agematsu H, Someda H, Hashimoto M, Matsunaga S, Abe S, Kim HJ, Koyama T, Naito H, Ishida R, Ide Y (2010) Three-dimensional observation of decrease in pulp cavity volume using micro-CT: age-related change. Bull Tokyo Dent Coll 51(1):1–6CrossRef
24.
go back to reference Aboshi H, Takahashi T, Komuro T (2010) Age estimation using microfocus X-ray computed tomography of lower premolars. Forensic Sci Int 200(1-3):35–40CrossRef Aboshi H, Takahashi T, Komuro T (2010) Age estimation using microfocus X-ray computed tomography of lower premolars. Forensic Sci Int 200(1-3):35–40CrossRef
25.
go back to reference Ge ZP, Ma RH, Li G, Zhang JZ, Ma XC (2015) Age estimation based on pulp chamber volume of first molars from cone-beam computed tomography images. Forensic Sci Int 253(133):e1–e7 Ge ZP, Ma RH, Li G, Zhang JZ, Ma XC (2015) Age estimation based on pulp chamber volume of first molars from cone-beam computed tomography images. Forensic Sci Int 253(133):e1–e7
26.
go back to reference Smith BG, Knight JK (1984) An index for measuring the wear of teeth. Br Dent J 156(12):435–438CrossRef Smith BG, Knight JK (1984) An index for measuring the wear of teeth. Br Dent J 156(12):435–438CrossRef
27.
go back to reference Chen LP, Zhang DH, Que ZN (2007) The investigation of tooth wear in1033 adult patients. J Clin Stomatol 23(3):170–172 Chen LP, Zhang DH, Que ZN (2007) The investigation of tooth wear in1033 adult patients. J Clin Stomatol 23(3):170–172
28.
go back to reference Yushkevich PA, Piven J, Hazlett HC, Smith RG, Ho S, Gee JC, Gerig G (2006) User-guided 3D active contour segmentation of anatomical structures: significantly improved efficiency and reliability. Neuroimage 31(3):1116–1128CrossRef Yushkevich PA, Piven J, Hazlett HC, Smith RG, Ho S, Gee JC, Gerig G (2006) User-guided 3D active contour segmentation of anatomical structures: significantly improved efficiency and reliability. Neuroimage 31(3):1116–1128CrossRef
29.
go back to reference Peters OA, Laib A, Ruegsegger P, Barbakow F (2000) Three-dimensional analysis of root canal geometry by high-resolution computed tomography. J Dent Res 79(6):1405–1409CrossRef Peters OA, Laib A, Ruegsegger P, Barbakow F (2000) Three-dimensional analysis of root canal geometry by high-resolution computed tomography. J Dent Res 79(6):1405–1409CrossRef
30.
go back to reference Gantt DG, Kappleman J, Ketcham RA, Alder ME, Deahl TH (2006) Three-dimensional reconstruction of enamel thickness and volume in humans and hominoids. Eur J Oral Sci 114(Suppl 1):360–364, discussion 375-366, 382-363CrossRef Gantt DG, Kappleman J, Ketcham RA, Alder ME, Deahl TH (2006) Three-dimensional reconstruction of enamel thickness and volume in humans and hominoids. Eur J Oral Sci 114(Suppl 1):360–364, discussion 375-366, 382-363CrossRef
31.
go back to reference Wang Y, He S, Yu L, Li J, Chen S (2011) Accuracy of volumetric measurement of teeth in vivo based on cone beam computer tomography. Orthod Craniofac Res 14(4):206–212CrossRef Wang Y, He S, Yu L, Li J, Chen S (2011) Accuracy of volumetric measurement of teeth in vivo based on cone beam computer tomography. Orthod Craniofac Res 14(4):206–212CrossRef
32.
go back to reference Kamiyama Y, Nakamura S, Abe T, Munakata M, Nomura Y, Watanabe H, Akiyama M, Kurabayashi T (2012) Linear measurement accuracy of dental CT images obtained by 64-slice multidetector row CT: the effects of mandibular positioning and pitch factor at CT scanning. Implant Dent 21(6):496–501CrossRef Kamiyama Y, Nakamura S, Abe T, Munakata M, Nomura Y, Watanabe H, Akiyama M, Kurabayashi T (2012) Linear measurement accuracy of dental CT images obtained by 64-slice multidetector row CT: the effects of mandibular positioning and pitch factor at CT scanning. Implant Dent 21(6):496–501CrossRef
33.
go back to reference Porto LV, Celestino da Silva Neto J, Anjos Pontual AD, Catunda RQ (2015) Evaluation of volumetric changes of teeth in a Brazilian population by using cone beam computed tomography. J Forensic Leg Med 36:4–9CrossRef Porto LV, Celestino da Silva Neto J, Anjos Pontual AD, Catunda RQ (2015) Evaluation of volumetric changes of teeth in a Brazilian population by using cone beam computed tomography. J Forensic Leg Med 36:4–9CrossRef
34.
go back to reference Awawdeh L, Abdullah H, Al-Qudah A (2008) Root form and canal morphology of Jordanian maxillary first premolars. J Endod 34(8):956–961CrossRef Awawdeh L, Abdullah H, Al-Qudah A (2008) Root form and canal morphology of Jordanian maxillary first premolars. J Endod 34(8):956–961CrossRef
35.
go back to reference Tian YY, Guo B, Zhang R, Yu X, Wang H, Hu T, Dummer PM (2012) Root and canal morphology of maxillary first premolars in a Chinese subpopulation evaluated using cone-beam computed tomography. Int Endod J 45(11):996–1003CrossRef Tian YY, Guo B, Zhang R, Yu X, Wang H, Hu T, Dummer PM (2012) Root and canal morphology of maxillary first premolars in a Chinese subpopulation evaluated using cone-beam computed tomography. Int Endod J 45(11):996–1003CrossRef
36.
go back to reference Ludlow JB, Ivanovic M (2008) Comparative dosimetry of dental CBCT devices and 64-slice CT for oral and maxillofacial radiology. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 106(1):106–114CrossRef Ludlow JB, Ivanovic M (2008) Comparative dosimetry of dental CBCT devices and 64-slice CT for oral and maxillofacial radiology. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 106(1):106–114CrossRef
37.
go back to reference Atar M, Korperich EJ (2010) Systemic disorders and their influence on the development of dental hard tissues: a literature review. J Dent 38(4):296–306CrossRef Atar M, Korperich EJ (2010) Systemic disorders and their influence on the development of dental hard tissues: a literature review. J Dent 38(4):296–306CrossRef
Metadata
Title
Age estimation based on pulp cavity/chamber volume of 13 types of tooth from cone beam computed tomography images
Authors
Zhi-pu Ge
Pan Yang
Gang Li
Ji-zong Zhang
Xu-chen Ma
Publication date
01-07-2016
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
International Journal of Legal Medicine / Issue 4/2016
Print ISSN: 0937-9827
Electronic ISSN: 1437-1596
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00414-016-1384-6

Other articles of this Issue 4/2016

International Journal of Legal Medicine 4/2016 Go to the issue