2D vs. 3D Radiological Methods for Dental Age Determination around 18 Years: A Systematic Review

Domenico Dalessandri, Ingrid Tonni, Laura Laffranchi, Marco Migliorati, Gaetano Isola, Luca Visconti, Stefano Bonetti, Corrado Paganelli
2020 Applied Sciences  
The age of a living human being can be determined by applying a number of different methods; the most diffused are skeletal and dental methods, both principally based on X-rays examinations. This systematic review assesses the current evidence regarding the accuracy and reliability of Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) vs. Orthopantomography (OPG) in age determination. A computerized systematic literature search of studies published up to January 2020 was conducted without language
more » ... s in order to identify articles comparing CBCT vs. OPG in dental anatomy evaluation, articles evaluating the accuracy of dental methods for age estimation, both with CT and OPG exams, and articles comparing CBCT vs. OPG in terms of radiation dose. CBCT was found to be more accurate compared to OPG in dental anatomy evaluation. When analyzing young adults, an estimation error of two years is considered forensically acceptable. The radiation dose of a CBCT exam is higher compared to an OPG exam. However, the difference is not as marked with small Fields Of View (FOV) and low-resolution protocols. Final conclusion was that a small FOV CBCT centered on the mandibular angle of a young patient is an accurate and safe method for dental age estimation around the age of 18.
doi:10.3390/app10093094 fatcat:jgwrtv4t5nbazg42fl64trje6e