Forensic Age Estimation Using PulpTooth Ratios in Mandibular Canines on Panoramic Radiographs

This study aimed to investigate the correlation between chronological age and pulp/tooth length and width ratios of mandibular canines using digital panoramic radiographs based on the method proposed by Kvaal et al.Materials and Methods:A total of 120 digital panoramic radiographs of individuals aged between 18 and 70 years were retrospectively analyzed. Measurements were performed on mandibular canines using the Kvaal method, and nine dental ratios (T, R, P, A, B, C, W, L, and M) were calculated. Pearson correlation analysis and one-way ANOVA were used to assess the relationship between these ratios and chronological age.Results:Among the variables analyzed, W (r = -0.228, p = 0.013), R (r = -0.224, p = 0.014), and B (r = -0.181, p = 0.049) showed statistically significant but weak negative correlations with age. Due to the low correlation strength, none of the variables were used to construct a regression model.Conclusion:Although certain pulp/tooth ratios derived from mandibular canines on digital panoramic radiographs demonstrated statistically significant correlations with chronological age, the weak strength of these associations limits their utility for accurate forensic age estimation. Further studies using three-dimensional imaging and larger, more diverse populations are recommended.