Age Estimation Using Cemental Lines and Mineral Density Index with Polarized Microscopy
Age Estimation Using Cemental Lines and Mineral Density Index
Abstract
Background: Age estimation from dental tissues plays a crucial role in forensic science, especially in cases involving unidentified individuals or legal disputes. Cementum, a mineralized tissue in teeth, forms incremental lines that serve as biomarkers for age determination. Aim: The study aims to explore the use of cemental line counts (CLC), mineral density index (MDI), and cementum thickness (CT) for age estimation using polarized light microscopy (PLM). Methods: A total of 35 pathology-free third molars from individuals aged 16-35 years were analyzed. Teeth were grouped into four age ranges: Group I (16-20 years), Group II (21-25 years), Group III (26-30 years), and Group IV (31-35 years). Cemental line counts, MDI, and CT were measured using PLM. A regression model was applied to estimate age, and correlations between the variables were assessed using Pearson’s correlation. ANOVA was conducted to compare MDI across age groups, and paired t-tests were performed to compare estimated and actual ages. Results: The study found a strong positive correlation between CLC and actual age (r = 0.82, p < 0.01). The MDI showed a moderate correlation with age (r = 0.15, p = 0.04), while CT showed a weak correlation (r = 0.08). ANOVA revealed significant differences in MDI across age groups (p = 0.03), with higher MDI in older age groups. The regression model showed a mean difference of 1.25 years (SD ± 0.72) between estimated and actual ages, with no significant difference (p = 0.08) between the two. Conclusions: The study demonstrates that CLC and MDI, when measured using PLM, are effective in estimating age in individuals aged 16-35 years. Incorporating multiple parameters, including cementum thickness and mineral density, enhances the accuracy and reliability of age estimation. This multifactorial approach provides a promising tool for forensic age estimation, particularly in young adults.
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