Dental age estimation using cone-beam computed tomography: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Purpose This systematic review aimed to investigate the correlation between chronological age and dental pulp volume in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods The literature was searched in 4 databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar). Within each study, the outcome of interest was the correlation (r) between chronological age and pulp volume. A random-effect meta-analysis was conducted. Subgroup analysis was carried out according to sex and tooth type. Results Of 5693 identified studies, 27 fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were selected for meta-analysis. These articles focused on single-rooted teeth (n=21), multi-rooted teeth (n=6), maxillary teeth (n=14), mandibular teeth (n=6), and maxillary and mandibular teeth (n=12). The relationship between chronological age and dental pulp volume was examined in the entire population (r=-0.67), men (r=-0.75), and women (r=-0.77) in single- and multi-rooted teeth. The results of the total population analysis showed a relatively strong negative relationship between age and pulp volume. Conclusion This study suggested that CBCT is a reliable and repeatable tool for dental age estimation. A strong inverse relationship was observed between pulp chamber volume and age. Further studies on the correlation between chronological age and pulp volume of multi-rooted teeth may be beneficial.

A comparison of estimated age based on pulp volume from cone beam computed tomography (CT) images and panoramic radiography data with chronological age

“…Notably, the strongest correlation between age and volumetric data emerged in the mandibular 1st molars, while the weakest was seen in the mandibular third molars. This discrepancy is believed to have arisen from the limited research centered on multi-rooted teeth and the intrinsic significance of the permanent 1st molar; this is the inaugural permanent tooth to surface and plays a pivotal role in occlusion [25,26]. We aimed to expand upon the existing literature by selecting the left mandibular 1st molar teeth for pulp and tooth volume measurement.…”

Evaluation of The Relationship Between Dental and Cervical Vertebrae Maturation in Terms of Age Determination

“…7 Recently, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) has allowed for the acquisition of sagittal, coronal, and axial images, furnishing dentists with valuable insights into the anatomical structure and developmental stages. [8][9][10] However, considering the radiation dose, it has been stated that 2dimensional diagnostic radiographs can also provide necessary information. [11][12][13] Studies have shown that growth and development differ according to ethnic groups.…”

Analysis of Dental Tissues Density in Healthy Children Based on Radiological Data

“…[8] Unlike traditional orthopantomograms, CBCT allows the clinician to determine tissue density using Hounsfield units (HU). [9,10] The information about tissue density for healthy teeth could become an additional tool in assessing dental health, their dental age estimation [11] and anatomy [12] and could be used, among other data, for subsequent machine learning. [13] The results of earlier studies do not provide convincing data on the range of HU for healthy dental tissues in children of a certain age group.…”