Age is one of the essential factors in the identity of the person. Estimation of the human age is the procedure adopted by anthropologists, archeologists and forensic scientists. Different factor have been used for age estimation but none has withstood the test of time for adults above 25 years. Many variables have been used as age determinants and even dental histological techniques can contribute to age determination. The choice to use teeth for age determination is well accepted due to their longevity, ability of being resilient to change. According to Gustafson’s measurement of root dentin transparency is the most reliable criteria for age estimation. Further, Johanson found that translucency was best correlated to age when used alone. The purpose of this article is to discuss not only the various factors affect translucency but also the different studies done on root translucency with the relation of age estimation.

Keywords: Root translucency, Age estimation, Forensic Odontolog.