Age estimation from root diameter and root canal diameter of maxillary central incisors in Chinese Han population using cone-beam computed tomography

Age estimation from dental radiographs is a non-destructive method to obtain information. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the possibility of age estimation from root diameter and root canal diameter of maxillary central incisors radiographs. 420 cone-beam computed tomography images of maxillary central incisors (210 males and 210 females) aged 15 to 84 years were chosen and classified into 7 age groups each sex: group I (15-24 years), group II (25-34 years), group III (35-44 years), group IV (45-54 years), group V (55-64 years), group VI (65-74 years) and group VII (75-84 years). Root diameter, root canal diameter and root canal diameter/root diameter ratios were obtained by dedicated software together with cone-beam computed tomography. Gender difference was significant (P < 0.05). Data of root canal diameter and root canal diameter/root diameter ratios showed statistically significant correlation (r = 0.849 & P < 0.05 for male, r = 0.692 & P < 0.05 for female from root canal diameter; r = 0.862 & P < 0.05 for male, r = 0.735 & P < 0.05 for female from root canal diameter/root diameter ratios) with age through correlation and regression analysis while root diameter had no significant correlation with age. Linear regression equations were performed separately for both sexes along with the corresponding Standard Error of Estimate that ranged from 2.28 to 3.05 years. In conclusion, dental age estimation is possible using cone-beam computed tomography from root diameter and root canal diameter of maxillary central incisors in Chinese Han population.