AGE ESTIMATION BASED ON PULP / TOOTH VOLUME BY CONE BEAM COMPUTERIZED TOMOGRAPHY IMAGE

Background and Objectives: Accurate age estimation is essential in forensic and clinical dentistry, with the pulp/tooth volume ratio (PTVR) emerging as a promising morphological marker. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between PTVR and chronological age using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in a Kurdish adult
population, and to develop a population-specific regression model for age estimation.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 246 Kurdish adults aged 16–60 years who underwent CBCT imaging at a dental clinic in Sulaimaniah, Iraq. PTVR was measured in central incisors and canines using standardized CBCT protocols and volumetric analysis software. Stratified random sampling ensured proportional representation across age groups.
Results: A strong, statistically significant negative correlation was found between PTVR and chronological age in both central incisors and canines (r = -0.94, p < 0.001). Linear regression models demonstrated high predictive accuracy (R² > 0.90) for age estimation in both sexes. Sex-based differences in PTVR were observed in canines but not in central incisors. The predictive strength of the models varied across age groups, with the highest accuracy in 25-29 years (R² = 0.706, P ≤ 0.001) and 55-60 years (R² = 0.654, P ≤ 0.008) group.
Conclusion: PTVR measured via CBCT is a highly reliable indicator for age estimation in Kurdish adults, with strong predictive accuracy. The developed regression models can assist in forensic identification and legal documentation, highlighting the importance of population-specific data in forensic odontology.