Age-related radiomorphometric changes on panoramic radiographs

Objectives: We aimed to analyse age-related anatomical changes in teeth and mandibular structures using panoramic radiographs. Materials and Methods: We included 471 subjects aged 13–70 years (mean, 35.12 ± 18.72 years). Panoramic radiographs were used to record intraoral condition and radiomorphometric parameters. After grouping the subjects by age decade, descriptive statistics and analysis of variance were performed to assess age-related patterns. Results: The number of missing teeth, endodontically treated teeth, full veneer crowns, and implant prosthesis increased with age (all p <.05). The prevalence of periodontitis significantly increased after the 40s and was the highest in the 60s (57.1%). The maxillary canine root was the longest in the 10s and 20s (p <.001). With age, the mandibular canal and mental foramen moved towards the alveolar bone crest, on the opposite side of the mandibular inferior border. The pulp area and pulp-to-tooth ratio of maxillary/mandibular first molars were significantly higher in the 10s and 20s than in other age groups (all p <.05). Conclusions: We provided comprehensive information on age-related anatomical changes in teeth and mandibular structures based on panoramic radiographs. Various radiographic parameters showed specific changes with increasing age. Assessing these age-related changes can be useful in determining an individual's age, and may aid in medico-legal and forensic judgments.