Forensic odontology is concerned with the recognition, identification, individualization, and evaluation of the dental evidence. Age estimation is one of the most frequent challenges faced by forensic odontologists. The pulp/ tooth area ratio (PTR) is a nondestructive radiographic technique based on the changes due to continuous secondary dentine deposition throughout life. These changes also seem to vary with the genetic factors, habits, environmental factors and geographical areas. Thus, the aim of the study is to estimate the PTR of the right or left mandibular canine using orthopantomograms (OPG) and determine the age of individuals aged between 17 to 70 years from western part of India. Age was calculated using the Indian specific formula and the result obtained was statistically significant. It was concluded that the pulp/tooth area ratio is a useful indicator of age, although correlations may vary in different populations and hence, specific formulae should be derived for each population.

Keywords: Forensic Odontology, Age Estimation, Identification, Pulp Tooth area ratio, orthopantomograms.