Age Estimation Using Pulp Chamber Volume of First Molars from Cone Beam Computed Tomography Images in Indian Population

The present study established a mathematical model for age estimation among the Indian population using the pulp chamber volume of first maxillary and mandibular molars with the use of CBCT images, and assessed the mathematical equation for age estimation. CBCT images of 564 maxillary first molars and 487 mandibular first molars were collected from 340 individuals to assess the mathematical model from 190 female and 150 male patients (aged 10 - 70 years). Computed tomography images were used to measure pulp chamber volumes. Age calculated using this formula was reported earlier for a Chinese population which resulted in absolute error of 8.122 and root mean square error of 5.603 between actual and estimated age for all tested teeth. The regression equation obtained for the Indian population, Age = 114.445-1.441 x Maxillary First Molar pulp chamber volume and, Age = 93.677-1.422 x Mandibular First Molar pulp chamber volume was statistically significant (p=0.000less than 0.01). Hence, the pulp chamber volume of first molars is a useful indicator of age, although correlations may vary in different populations with reasonable precision of age estimation.