Abstract

Background: Age estimation has many factors, viz, skeletal age, sexual age, chronological age (CA) and dental age (DA). Assessment of tooth development is widely being used these days for age estimation because of its reliability and ease of procedure. The tooth with its developmental phases impart non-invasive, non-destructive attributes to assess the person’s age. However, ethnicity, influence of hormonal and racial factors, environmental changes, and various diseasesmay alter the results in certain areas. Aim of the study: To estimate the Dental age of children aged 7-10 years by Nolla’s method using Orthopantomographs, in the region of Mahe. Materials and Methodology: 60 digital Orthopantomographs (OPGs) were used for the study to estimate the DA of children, using Nolla’s method of DA estimation. Seven permanent teeth in the left mandibular quadrant were assessed as per Nolla’s method. This was compared to the other quadrants and the results were analysed to determine the DA. The mean difference between the DA and CA was calculated using a paired t-test. Correlation between CA and DA was analysed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. The statistical analysis was done using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26.0. Results: The DA of children of Mahe showed under estimation using Nolla’s method of age determination. Among the quadrants, the maxillary right quadrant showed the least under estimation or most accurate age estimation. Conclusion: By using a proper regression equation, the Nolla’s method can be made more accurate for age determination in the children of Mahe.

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