Title: Role of pulp volume method in assessment of age and gender in Lucknow, India- An observational study
Abstract:
Age and gender determination are required in forensic for victim identification. There is secondary dentine deposition throughout life resulting in decreased pulp volume and size. The study was done for age and gender determination using pulp volume.
Context: A study to estimate age and determine sex in adults by dental pulp volume method using CBCT in Lucknow population.
Aims: To evaluate pulp volume method to determine the age and gender of the patient.
Settings and Design: An in-vitro, cross-sectional, retrospective data based, observational study on individuals having age range between 18-70 years, with a sample size of 90. The subject’s scans were randomly selected according to the exclusion/ inclusion criteria’s.
Methods and Material: The data of Maxillary central incisors (CI) and maxillary canine (C) of the selected sample were assessed for pulp volume using a software with a cutting tool for measurement of the pulp volume.
Statistical analysis: Chi Square Test, Arithmetic Mean, Standard deviation, Pearson’s Correlation, Linear & Logistic regression analysis.
Results: The Pearson correlation coefficient between the tooth pulp volume (CI & C) and chronological age suggested that pulp volume decreased with age. The validation of the equations for sex determination showed higher prediction accuracy for CI (56.70%) and lower for C (53.30%).
Conclusions: Pulp volume can be a reliable indicator for age estimation and gender prediction.
Key-words: Age estimation, Gender prediction, CBCT, Pulp volume.
Key Messages: CBCT obtained pulp volumes of CI and C can be utilized for age estimation and sex determination.
