Age estimation by cemental annulation rings

CONTEXT: Tooth plays a pivotal role in the identification of a person when all other remains are ruined by natural or unnatural causes. Dental evidence can contribute to age estimation in forensic dentistry. Estimating the age of an individual with the help of a tooth for identification proves beneficial. Alternating light and dark bands seen on the cementum have been shown to be proportionate to the age of the patient in number. This was done to evaluate the cementum annulation in age determination. AIMS: This study aimed to determine the age of an individual using tooth cementum annulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, twenty extracted teeth were collected and all the clinical details of the patient such as age, sex, and chief complaint were recorded. The collected teeth was preserved in formalin overnight and then washed under tap water before they were sectioned. The area selected for counting was observed under 10 × objective of light microscope, and photomicrographs were taken for the counting of the lines. At the time of analysis, the age of the patient was not disclosed to the observer. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Student's t-test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: This study showed the correlation between the actual age of the individual and the estimated age using tooth cementum annulation method and showed significant statistical value. CONCLUSION: Incremental lines found in cementum can be used for age estimation in forensic dentistry.