Orthopantomogram – an effective tool for age estimation in children

Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the accuracy and applicability of modified Cameriere’s European formula given by Rai B et al for dental age estimation in south Indian children. Methods: The study comprised of a total of 600 subjects, who were divided into 10 groups, according to the chronological age. The first group consisted of subjects who are 5 years old, including subject’s age ranging from 5.00 to 5.99. Next group included the subjects who were 6 years old, and so on. Digital form of the orthopantomogram obtained for diagnosis and treatment were collected. Chronologic age was noted and Dental age estimation was performed on the orthopantomogram using the formula described by Rai et al. Age= 9.402-0.879 C+0.663 N0-0.711 s-0.106s×N0 Statistical analysis of data was done using paired t test. Pearson's correlation was used to measure the strength and direction of association between chronological and dental age. Results: The results showed a mean difference of 0.31 between the chronologic and dental age in total sample, which is statistically insignificant. Pearson's correlation was used to measure the strength and direction of association between chronological and dental age and a value of 0.985 suggest a positive correlation between chronologic age and estimated dental age. Conclusion: The results showed that modified Cameriere’s formula given by Rai et al gave a statistically insignificant underestimation of 0.31 years, suggesting its suitability for age estimation in children in south Indian population.