1 Department of Oral Pathology, Institute of Dental Education and Advance Studies, Gwalior (M.P).
2 Department of Oral Pathology & Microbiology, Subharti Dental College, Meerut (U.P).
Age estimation of an individual, using teeth, has gathered considerable attention over the century and is found to be of paramount importance. The study was designed to evaluate Gustafson's criteria for age determination in North Indian population.
20 ground sections of teeth from 20 patients were included in the study. Ground sections of teeth were prepared and studied for parameters including attrition, periodontal disease, secondary dentin deposition, root translucency, cementum apposition and root resorption. Grading of each parameter was done according to Gustafson's criteria but cementum apposition was graded based on actual thickness of cementum at the root to prevent subjectivity. Linear regression equation of Gustafson was used for obtaining total score.
The parameters given by Gustafson along with modified cementum apposition were found to be reliable for age estimation.
Lesser error was found in age estimation using the suggested modification as compared to the original Gustafson's criteria.
Age estimation, Gustafson's criteria, Ground sections
