ESTUDO DA DEPOSIÇÃO DE DENTINA SECUNDÁRIA EM INCISIVOS CENTRAIS COMO UM MÉTODO DE ESTIMATIVA DA IDADE PARA ADULTOS

Abstract

Age estimation is one of the most important biological profile parameters in forensic science. For adults, dental age assessment rely on the study of the non-linear secondary dentine deposition and pulp narrowing. Yet, to the best of the author's knowledge, no data exist concerning the application of the study of these dental degenerative phenomena using central incisors, in the Portuguese population. Thus this research project goal is to assess the utility of the pulp/tooth area ratio method in central incisors, in Portuguese adults, to establish the accuracy and accessibility of this age estimation technique. We will perform the study using orthopantomography (OPG), a straightforward and non-invasive dental image method. Upper central incisors are chosen as they, compared with others, have fewer caries and fillings, are seldom extracted, have large pulp dimensions and are subjected to minor wear from diet and bruxism. A sample of 801 patients of the Faculty of Dental Medicine of the University of Porto, older than 18 years of age will be studied. Image J software will be used for tooth measurements. Sex and teeth laterality will be studied as possible confounding variables. A regression model will be developed for this sample. Data will be also analyzed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences program (SPSS), using a significant level of 5%.