A stereomicroscopic study to estimate Chronological age using transparent root dentin

Accurate chronological age estimation in adults is a vital component of forensic identification and medicolegal investigations, especially when documentary evidence is absent or unreliable. Among various regressive dental changes, root dentin translucency has consistently demonstrated strong age-related progression and remains one of the most stable and reliable parameters. Its resistance to environmental degradation and postmortem changes makes it particularly valuable for forensic purposes. Stereomicroscopic evaluation provides a simple and effective method to visualize and measure this translucency in ground tooth sections.

To assess the relationship between chronological age and root dentin translucency using stereomicroscopy, and to develop a reliable regression model for age estimation in an adult population.

This cross-sectional study analysed 50 extracted permanent teeth obtained fromDaswani dental college and research centre, Kota, Rajasthan. Only fully formed, non-carious, non-restored teeth without fractures or pathological alterations were included. Longitudinal ground sections of uniform thickness (250–300 µm) were prepared and examined under a stereomicroscope at ×10–×40 magnification. The length of apical root dentin translucency was measured with a calibrated digital micrometer. Chronological age, sex, total root length, and translucency ratio were recorded. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0, employing descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, ANOVA, and linear regression to determine the predictive accuracy of translucency measurements.

The mean chronological age of the sample was 42.86 ± 12.14 years, and the mean translucency length was 6.42 ± 2.11 mm. A very strong positive correlation was found between age and translucency length (r = 0.842, p < 0.001), while total root length showed no significant association. The regression model developed, Age = 14.32 + 4.45 × translucency length, accounted for 70.9% of the variance (R² = 0.709). Mean translucency values increased progressively across age groups, with statistically significant differences (p < 0.001).

Root dentin translucency measured stereomicroscopically is a dependable, practical, and highly predictive parameter for chronological age estimation in adults. The strong correlation and high predictive accuracy support its routine application in forensic and clinical settings.