Age estimation by measuring open apices of lower erupted teeth in 12-16 years olds by radiographic evaluation.

The purpose of this study was to estimate chronological age from panoramic radiographs by measuring open apices of seven right or left mandibular teeth in children of South Indian origin. A total of 101 male and female patients aged between 12 and 16 years were selected. The panoramic radiographs of the patient were indirectly digitised. The variables N0, x3, x4, x5, x6, x7 and s were measured using a computer-aided drafting program. Statistical analysis was performed to derive a regression equation for estimation of age. Two variables x3 and x7 contributed significantly to the fit, yielding the following linear regression formula: Age = 16.025-9.445 (x7) + 1.620 (x3). Statistical analysis indicated that the regression equation explained 97.5% of total variance (R(2) = 0.975). The median of the residuals was -0.0348 years with an interquartile range (IQR) of 0.2520 years. The derived regression equations from these variables can serve as an invaluable tool in estimating the age of children between 12 and 16 years of South Indian origin.