ROOT RESORPTION OF TEETH AS AN AGE ESTIMATION MARKER- IN VITRO STUDY

Abstract

Background & Objectives: Forensic odontology has established itself as a credible partner in forensic sciences. Forensic odontology is defined as a branch of dentistry, which deals with the proper handling and examination of dental evidences and proper evaluation and presentation of dental findings in the interest of the dentist. Age estimation is a process of particular interest in cases of forensic interest. Many methods have been suggested such as cementum thickness, dental colour, tooth attrition, secondary dentine formation, periodontitis, apical resorption and many techniques have been employed but root translucency remains the method of choice providing the most accurate results for age estimation Method: The study included 200 extracted teeth, 100 were single rooted teeth and 100 were multirooted teeth. Patient information’s like chronological age, sex and place of the tooth in dentition was noted down at the time of extraction of tooth. Teeth were then reduced grossly in the mesio-distal direction on a lathe machine with a constant supply of water. These sections were grounded manually on the rough surface of the Arkansas stone first and then on the finer surface with a constant supply of the water until the enamel rods and dentinal tubules were visible clearly under the microscope. Thicknesses of all the ground sections were between 0.4 to 0.8 mm which was measured by Vernier caliper. Results and conclusion: Root resorption can be effectively used as an indicator of age. Statistical analysis showed that root resorption is a reliable method for age estimation.