Age Estimation by Different Techniques of Dentin Translucency: A Literature Overview

Abstract

Background: Human Dentition presents as the most durable and resilient part of the skeletal system in
the body subjected to wide range of physiological changes with increase in age such as attrition, cemental
apposition. Among several functional changes dental root translucency is often considered to be more
reliable parameter for estimation.
Methodology: The literature search for articles written in the English language in PubMed, MEDLINE,
Embase and Google Scholar database by using MeSH terms “Dentin Translucency”, “Age Estimation”,
“Forensic Method” “Dentin in Forensics”, “Digital Method of Age Estimation”, “Dentin Age estimation”
was retrieved. The present evaluation is to provide a broad literature review on “Dentin translucency” as a
tool in age estimation with emphasis on the most substantial method obtainable for identification.
Observations: It was observed both traditional and digital method are significant and reliable for
identification of age by root dentin translucency. The custom built software program is commercially
available and extensively used image editing software program. Moreover, digital method is easy to use,
precise and less time consuming. Considering these benefits, the present study recommends the use of digital
method to assess root dentin translucency for age estimation.
Conclusion: Though conventional sectioning of teeth with observation using caliper or under microscope
was gold standard, due to advancement in technology and more precise results digital method could possibly
serve as more reliable where estimation of age plays a vital role in identification process in the field of
forensics.