Quantification of secondary dentin formation using dental orthopantomographs in a contemporary Malaysian population

ABSTRACT

The Kvaal method is recommended for age estimation in adults and is based on the analysis of the pulp chamber. Importantly, however, subsequent research has empirically demonstrated that the accuracy of this method varies across global populations. The aim of the current study is, therefore, to examine the relationship between secondary dentin formation and chronological age to establish forensic age estimation standards for a Malaysian population. A total of 300 anonymized dental orthopantomographs of Malaysian individuals, aged between 16 to 69 years were analysed following the Kvaal method. Length and width measurements of the tooth and pulp chamber were acquired in six teeth. Kvaal’s dental ratios were calculated and subsequently used to formulate multiple linear regression models. Intra-observer error was found to be within acceptable standards for all measurements (TEM<1.0, rTEM<5%, R>0.75). A significant negative correlation between chronological age and the Kvaal dental ratios was demonstrated (0.14–0.42). The most accurate model was for maxillary central incisor (SEE ±10.46 years). This study reaffirms the reproducibility of Kvaal’s method in dental radiographs and demonstrates its applicability amongst Malaysians.

KEYWORDS:

• Forensic odontology
• age estimation
• Kvaal method
• dental orthopantomographs
• Malaysia

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the Director General of Health Malaysia for his permission to publish this paper. The authors also thank Dr Khatijah Abu Bakar and their staff for assistance with obtaining the dental OPGs. Salina is a recipient of the Australia and New Zealand Forensic Science Society (ANZFSS) Western Australian Branch Symposium Award to attend and present this work at the ANZFSS 24th International Symposium.