Evaluation of age estimation using alveolar bone images.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to examine the time-related changes of alveolar bone in 2D images quantitatively and to estimate age groups based on the change index. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The 238 panoramic X-ray images and 140 CT panoramic reconstructed images of the permanent dentition period were used to examine age-related changes. Comparisons between the younger age group and each of the other age groups were calculated using the landmark method of Procrustes analysis. As aging changes were observed in each age group, age estimation was performed using antemortem panoramic X-ray images and postmortem CT images so that they could be used in practice. The CT images used in the age estimation were performed using forty-two postmortem CT panoramic reconstructed images of known age submitted to the judicial autopsy. RESULTS: Both panoramic and CT images showed changes in the alveolar bone over time. Age estimation using postmortem CT images provided a certain assessment. CONCLUSION: In this study, clinically observed changes in alveolar bone over time were quantified on the images. Furthermore, the possibility of age estimation by alveolar bone was also suggested. The use of an updatable clinical database that can be stored in coordinate values offers the potential for age estimation in line with the times.