Forensic Dental Age Estimation Using Radicular Dentine Translucency in Indian (Himachal Pradesh) Population-A Digital Method

Abstract

Introduction: Age estimation plays a crucial role in establishing identity of the individual. Root dentin
translucency (RDT) is one of the stable parameter and is based on the translucent zone present in the root
due to calcific deposits.
Aims & Objective: the aim of our study was to estimate age using root dentine translucency length in a
cluster of Himachal Pradesh (Indian Population) and to derive a population specific formula, also to observe
the correlation between root dentine translucency and gender.
Materials and Method:A digital calibration of translucency length was calculated in 80 extracted natural
teeth and was statistically analysed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and regression model was applied
to derive the regression equation.
Result: RDT length was positively correlated with chronological age with correlation coefficient r = 0.95,
population specific regression equation was derivedAge (y) = 18.384 + 6.4654 x RDT and age was estimated
with a mean absolute error of ±3.4 years.
Discussion & Conclusion: This study reinforced the theory that RDT length is strongly correlated with age,
a population specific linear regression equation was derived. However there were no significant differences
for RDT and gender was observed.