| Abstract |
Introduction: Number of tooth cementum annulations (TCA) is potentially associated to age of adult and has been used for age estimation, as part of personal identification, in forensic science. Objective: This study aims to examine the correlation between chronological age and estimated age calculated based on TCA numbers in Thai adults. Materials & Methods: Fifty three teeth, consisting of canines and premolars from 25 males with an average age of 57.3±13.5 years and from 28 females with an average age of 49.9±12.2 years, were included. Tooth specimens were prepared from sections cut perpendicular to the root surface at the middle one-third of root length. TCAs were visualized and processed for counting under microscope. Obtained TCA numbers were summed up with the age at eruption of each tooth, to estimate the age at extraction, which was further analyzed for the correlation with corresponding true age, separately by tooth types, arches and genders, and for all samples. Results: Age estimation using TCA was relatively accurate, with 18% of the samples had over 5-year deviation from the true age. For all samples, TCA-estimated age was significantly correlated to the chronological age with R2=0.94 (Linear regression; p<0.05). Conclusion & Discussion: In a group of Thai adults, TCA-estimated age was strongly correlated to the chronological age. There might be other factors, such as diseases of the tooth, age range at the time of extraction and tooth type that affect the numbers of TCA, and consequently, the age estimation. Our data suggested that the post-mortem age estimation by TCA may be an alternative and used in adjunct with other procedures for Thai people. |
Publication
Journal Publication
ไทย