NCJ Number
206537
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 49 Issue: 4 Dated: July 2004 Pages: 787-790
Date Published
July 2004
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This pilot study examined whether there is a correlation between the volume ratio of pulp versus tooth and the chronological age of an individual by using X-ray microfocus computed tomography (mCT).
Abstract
X-ray mCT is a high-resolution imaging modality that allows nondestructive testing. In mCT the same scanning principle as in medical computed tomography is used; however, the spatial resolution is higher in orders of magnitude. The advantages of this technique, together with the use of appropriate software, can lead to more precise formulas for age estimation based on the quantitative measurements of volumes. In testing the forensic usefulness of this technique, the current study collected 43 teeth (30 incisors, 8 canines, and 5 premolars) from 25 individuals who ranged in age from 24 to 66. The selection was restricted to upper and lower single-rooted teeth that had been extracted for a number of reasons. Only those teeth that had neither profound caries nor restorations were included. The scanning was done with a desktop X-ray mCT scanner. This paper describes the scanning technique, post-processing, and statistical analysis. Both the pulpal volume and the tooth volume could be processed and their ratio calculated. The study found a rather weak correlation between the volume ratio of pulp versus tooth and biological age. Since attrition, caries, and periodontal recession may influence tooth volume measurements, further investigation should be done on the use of pulp/root volume ratios. To improve results, a larger sample of teeth should be used. Adaptation of the software may also result in automatic segmentation of pulp, root, and tooth, which will lead to a calculation of different ratios. 1 table, 4 figures, and 12 references