Background: Age estimation in forensic odontology is a crucial step for biological identification and of a prime importance in various clinical destinity. Age estimation based on teeth is one reliable approach as teeth are the hardest part of the body and could be preserved for a long time without gross changes. Thus age estimation from tooth coronal index (TCI) using cone beam computed tomography is based on reduction in the size of the dental pulp cavity with advancing age as a result of deposition of secondary dentin. Aim: The aim of the study is to evaluate the reliability of dental age assessment through tooth coronal index (TCI) method. Methodology: A Retrospective study involving 120 CBCT images from the age of 20–60 years where retrieved from the department data base. The ages where further divided into eight groups (Group I–VIII). Mandibular 2nd premolar and 1st molar either of one side is considered. Then TCI was calculated for each tooth and regressed. Age estimated was compared with the chronological age to evaluate the reliability of age assessment through TCI. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 19. Results: TCI of 1st molars showed statistically highly significant values and thus regression analysis was done to obtain an equation. Thus, the best dental age estimation was obtained in age group of Group I, VIII with the mean error of ±2 years; whereas in the other age Groups II–VII with the mean error of ±4 years. Conclusion: As dental professionals, we can continue to play a key role by maintaining quality records. Teeth are more resistant to thermal, chemical and mechanical stimuli and thus considered as one of the reliable indicators. Thus this present study of TCI was carried out using CBCT which showed negative correlation with age; i.e. when age increases the TCI values decreases and this method can be considered as one of the reliable parameters in estimating the age of the individual because of its accuracy.

Keywords: Age estimation; Secondary dentin; Cone beam computed tomography; Mandibular 2nd premolar and 1st molar