ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Effect of Vitality on Translucent Dentine….Selvamani M et al
Effect of Vitality on Translucent Dentine – A Study Selvamani M1, Madhushankari G S2, Praveen S Basandi1, Mandana Donoghue3, Vaidehi Nayak4, Gajendra Diwakar 5 1Assistant
Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology & Microbiology, College of Dental Sciences & Hospital, Davangere,
Karnataka, India; 2Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology & Microbiology, College of Dental Sciences & Hospital, Davangere, Karnataka, India; 3Professor & Head, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology & Microbiology, College of Dental Sciences & Hospital, Davangere, Karnataka, India; 4Assistant Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology & Microbiology, KLE Dental College & Hospital, Yeshwantpur, Bangalore, Karnataka, India; 5Assistant Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology & Microbiology, Yogita Dental College & Hospital, Khed, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, India.
ABSTRACT
Background: Sclerosis of dentinal tubules may be a response to pathological or physiological insult in the crown & root. The mechanism by which apical translucency is produced is still uncertain. The increase in size of the apical zone of sclerotic dentin in human teeth has been used often in forensic science as a method of age estimation. However, only few studies have been done to compare percentage of translucency between vital and non-vital teeth. Conflicting concepts exist regarding the amount of translucent dentin in the vital & non vital teeth and correlation of this variation with age of the subject. Aims: To investigate the amount and distribution of apical translucent dentin in group-matched vital and non-vital teeth. Materials and Methods: Study was conducted on 70 extracted teeth, which were subjected for vitality test before extraction, and divided into two groups (vital & non-vital teeth) with a minimum of 35 teeth in each group. Ground sections of 150µ thickness were observed under Stereomicroscope and photographed. The distribution of area and length was measured on the images captured, using PROPLUS IMAGE ANALYSIS SOFTWARE version 4.1.0.0 software. Results and Conclusions: The present study revealed significant differences (p55
7
51.27
13.61
64.12
12.11
0.12
NS
S – Significant, NS – Not Significant
Table 2: Inference in Area Percentage of Translucent Dentin in Vital and Non-Vital Teeth Age Group
No. of Cases
Length Percentage (%)
(Years)
Vital Mean
pvalue
Non-Vital Std
Mean
Deviation
Inference
Std Deviation
15-24
7
5.83
6.19
16.44
6.7
0.03
S
25-34
7
12.47
3.69
29.36
6.19
0.002
S
35-44
7
28.8
5.73
37.94
6.4
0.03
S
45-54
7
33.41
9.74
48.06
6.1
0.004
S
>55
7
44.38
7.19
55.48
10.56
0.073
NS
S – Significant, NS – Not Significant
Table 3: Inter Group Inference of Length Percentage of Translucent Dentin in Vital and Non-Vital Teeth Age Group (Years)
No. of Cases
Length Percentage (%) Vital
Non-Vital
Mean
Std
Mean
Std
Deviation
Deviation
15-24
7
15.71
18.26
39.44
25.14
25-34
7
23.26
9.48
49.16
13.94
35-44
7
46.99
20.72
55.08
11.29
45-54
7
46.61
9.26
56.82
21.71
>55
7
51.27
13.61
64.12
12.11
K-W ANOVA
x²=17.19
x²=5.57
p< 0.01
p= 0.23
[4]
Journal of International Oral Health. Mar-Apr 2013; 5(2):1-7
ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Effect of Vitality on Translucent Dentine….Selvamani M et al
Table 4: Inter Group Inference of Area Percentage of Translucent Dentin in Vital and Non-Vital Teeth Age Group (Years)
No. of Cases
Length Percentage (%) Vital
Non-Vital
Mean
Std
Mean
Std
Deviation
Deviation
15-24
7
5.83
6.19
16.44
6.7
25-34
7
12.47
3.69
29.36
6.19
35-44
7
28.8
5.73
37.94
6.4
45-54
7
33.41
9.74
48.06
6.1
>55
7
44.38
7.19
55.48
10.56
K-W ANOVA
x²=28.06
x²=28.72
p< 0.01
p< 0.01
Table 5: Length Percentage of Translucent Dentin in Premolar & Molar Vital Teeth
Non-Vital Teeth
Groups Mean
SD
Premolar
34.1
Molar
47.43
Range
Mean
Min
Max
19.28
0
64.5
50.43
22.26
18.57
77.92
62.92
p-
Range
SD
value
Inference
Min
Max
18.78
8.86
86.68
0.002
S
15.78
41.95
87.41
0.2
NS
S – Significant, NS – Not Significant
Table 6: Area Percentage of Translucent Dentin in Premolar & Molar Vital Teeth
Non-Vital Teeth
Groups Mean
SD
Premolar
22.49
Molar
34.94
Range
Mean
Min
Max
14.08
0
47.24
34.52
18.54
6.22
55.33
49.18
p-
Range
SD
value
Inference
Min
Max
13.84
8.94
56.46
0.003
S
17.68
26.58
70.01
0.16
NS
S – Significant, NS – Not Significant
Irrespective of the vitality status of the teeth, the
Discussion
mean area and length percentages of translucent
Age estimation constitutes an important factor in
dentin in molars were more than premolars. Statistically
significant
difference
was
the identification of an individual in forensic
seen
odontology.
between the premolars of both vital and non-vital
i. Being used in cases where a dead body or part
group in respect to the area and length percentage
of body has to be identified
translucency but was not the case in molars (Table 5 and 6).
ii. Individual does not reveal his identity, iii. Legality of child marriage cases. iv. Even when the subjects have undergone changes [5]
so
extensive
that
external
Journal of International Oral Health. Mar-Apr 2013; 5(2):1-7
ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Effect of Vitality on Translucent Dentine….Selvamani M et al
characteristics yield no information, teeth are
control the rate of mineralization that would take
a means of identification.
place within the tubules, simultaneously due to inflammatory & repair changes with in non-vital
The amount of length & area of translucent dentin
pulp, the pH would be lower leading to
was shown to increase with age in both vital and
availability of free Ca++ & PO4 ions. This may be
non-vital teeth. This finding is similar to the
deposited on the previously formed intratubular
findings of Gustafon, Johansson, Miles, Bang and
dentin. Thus increasing the total amount of
Ramm study where the amount of translucent
translucent dentin in non-vital teeth in comparison
dentin increased in both vital and non-vital teeth
to vital teeth.
as the age increase3,4,6,7. Non-vital teeth presented a statistically significant
Conclusion
area of apical translucent dentin when compared
The present study revealed non-vital teeth showed
with vital teeth of same age group. Thomas et al8
a greater amount of translucency in comparison to
indicated that when percentage area of translucent
vital teeth, in both area and length percentages.
dentin were examined there were significant
Study also showed a greater amount of apical
differences in the amount of translucent dentin
translucent dentin in molars in comparison to
present in non vital teeth relative to the age of the
premolars. As the majority of the molars were 1st
patients (p < 0.05).
Permanent molars with the earliest age of
Present study has shown some apical translucency
eruption. Thus establishing that the amount of
has been found in the youngest age group (16
translucent dentin formed depends on age of
years) Confirming the findings of Vasilidis et al
eruption rather than chronological age.
(found just under 17 years of age), Bang and Ramm (marked translucency of root dentin was
References:
seen under 28 years) Thomas GJ et al but not
1. Dentin. In: Kumar GS, editor. Orban’s oral
supporting the view of Gustafson study, that
histology and embryology.12th edition. New
apical transparency only starts to appear after the
Delhi: Reed
age of 30 years
84.
.
3,6-9
Elsevier India Private Ltd 2008;
Our results suggested that non-vital teeth had
2. Dentin – Pulp Complex. In: Nanci A, editor.
greater amount of translucent dentin which
Ten Cate’s Oral Histology: Development,
conflicts with the findings of Bang and Ramm who
Structure, and Function. 7th edition. New
observed that the percentage of translucent dentin
Delhi: Reed Elsevier India Private Ltd 2010;
in non-vital teeth is well below that of vital teeth
211.
of corresponding ages6.
3. Gustafson G. Age determination on teeth. J
Our results supports the findings of Thomas GJ et
Am Dent Assoc 1950; 41(1): 45-54
al, who suggested that sclerosis is related to the
4. Johansson G. Age Determinations from
length of the time for which a tooth has been non-
Human Teeth. Odontologisk Revy 1971;
vital rather than the chronological age of the tooth.
22(21): 40-126.
The formation of translucent dentin in non-vital
5. Solheim T. Dental root translucency as an
teeth appears to be influenced by factors other
indicator of age. Scand
than age7.
J dent Res 1989;
97(3):189-97.
We believe that in non-vital teeth the odontoblast
6. Miles AE. The dentition in the assessment of
would have been lost & thus will not be able to
individual age in skeletal material in dental [6]
Journal of International Oral Health. Mar-Apr 2013; 5(2):1-7
ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Effect of Vitality on Translucent Dentine….Selvamani M et al
anthropology. (Symposia of the society for the
9. Vasiliadis L, Darling AI, Levers GH. The
study of human biology) Ed. Brothwell DR,
amount and distribution of sclerotic human
Vol. V: 191-209. Pergamon Press, Oxford.
root dentin. Archs Oral Biol 1983; 28( 7): 645-
7. Bang G, Ramm E. Determination of Age in
49.
Humans from Root Dentine Transparency.Act Odontol Scand 1970; 28(1): 3-35.
8. Thomas GJ, Whittaker DK, Embery G. A comparative
study
of
translucent
apical
dentin in vital and non-vital human teeth. Arch Oral Biol 1994; 39(1): 29-34.
[7]
Journal of International Oral Health. Mar-Apr 2013; 5(2):1-7
Effect of Vitality on Translucent Dentine….Selvamani M et al
Effect of Vitality on Translucent Dentine – A Study Selvamani M1, Madhushankari G S2, Praveen S Basandi1, Mandana Donoghue3, Vaidehi Nayak4, Gajendra Diwakar 5 1Assistant
Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology & Microbiology, College of Dental Sciences & Hospital, Davangere,
Karnataka, India; 2Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology & Microbiology, College of Dental Sciences & Hospital, Davangere, Karnataka, India; 3Professor & Head, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology & Microbiology, College of Dental Sciences & Hospital, Davangere, Karnataka, India; 4Assistant Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology & Microbiology, KLE Dental College & Hospital, Yeshwantpur, Bangalore, Karnataka, India; 5Assistant Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology & Microbiology, Yogita Dental College & Hospital, Khed, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, India.
ABSTRACT
Background: Sclerosis of dentinal tubules may be a response to pathological or physiological insult in the crown & root. The mechanism by which apical translucency is produced is still uncertain. The increase in size of the apical zone of sclerotic dentin in human teeth has been used often in forensic science as a method of age estimation. However, only few studies have been done to compare percentage of translucency between vital and non-vital teeth. Conflicting concepts exist regarding the amount of translucent dentin in the vital & non vital teeth and correlation of this variation with age of the subject. Aims: To investigate the amount and distribution of apical translucent dentin in group-matched vital and non-vital teeth. Materials and Methods: Study was conducted on 70 extracted teeth, which were subjected for vitality test before extraction, and divided into two groups (vital & non-vital teeth) with a minimum of 35 teeth in each group. Ground sections of 150µ thickness were observed under Stereomicroscope and photographed. The distribution of area and length was measured on the images captured, using PROPLUS IMAGE ANALYSIS SOFTWARE version 4.1.0.0 software. Results and Conclusions: The present study revealed significant differences (p55
7
51.27
13.61
64.12
12.11
0.12
NS
S – Significant, NS – Not Significant
Table 2: Inference in Area Percentage of Translucent Dentin in Vital and Non-Vital Teeth Age Group
No. of Cases
Length Percentage (%)
(Years)
Vital Mean
pvalue
Non-Vital Std
Mean
Deviation
Inference
Std Deviation
15-24
7
5.83
6.19
16.44
6.7
0.03
S
25-34
7
12.47
3.69
29.36
6.19
0.002
S
35-44
7
28.8
5.73
37.94
6.4
0.03
S
45-54
7
33.41
9.74
48.06
6.1
0.004
S
>55
7
44.38
7.19
55.48
10.56
0.073
NS
S – Significant, NS – Not Significant
Table 3: Inter Group Inference of Length Percentage of Translucent Dentin in Vital and Non-Vital Teeth Age Group (Years)
No. of Cases
Length Percentage (%) Vital
Non-Vital
Mean
Std
Mean
Std
Deviation
Deviation
15-24
7
15.71
18.26
39.44
25.14
25-34
7
23.26
9.48
49.16
13.94
35-44
7
46.99
20.72
55.08
11.29
45-54
7
46.61
9.26
56.82
21.71
>55
7
51.27
13.61
64.12
12.11
K-W ANOVA
x²=17.19
x²=5.57
p< 0.01
p= 0.23
[4]
Journal of International Oral Health. Mar-Apr 2013; 5(2):1-7
ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Effect of Vitality on Translucent Dentine….Selvamani M et al
Table 4: Inter Group Inference of Area Percentage of Translucent Dentin in Vital and Non-Vital Teeth Age Group (Years)
No. of Cases
Length Percentage (%) Vital
Non-Vital
Mean
Std
Mean
Std
Deviation
Deviation
15-24
7
5.83
6.19
16.44
6.7
25-34
7
12.47
3.69
29.36
6.19
35-44
7
28.8
5.73
37.94
6.4
45-54
7
33.41
9.74
48.06
6.1
>55
7
44.38
7.19
55.48
10.56
K-W ANOVA
x²=28.06
x²=28.72
p< 0.01
p< 0.01
Table 5: Length Percentage of Translucent Dentin in Premolar & Molar Vital Teeth
Non-Vital Teeth
Groups Mean
SD
Premolar
34.1
Molar
47.43
Range
Mean
Min
Max
19.28
0
64.5
50.43
22.26
18.57
77.92
62.92
p-
Range
SD
value
Inference
Min
Max
18.78
8.86
86.68
0.002
S
15.78
41.95
87.41
0.2
NS
S – Significant, NS – Not Significant
Table 6: Area Percentage of Translucent Dentin in Premolar & Molar Vital Teeth
Non-Vital Teeth
Groups Mean
SD
Premolar
22.49
Molar
34.94
Range
Mean
Min
Max
14.08
0
47.24
34.52
18.54
6.22
55.33
49.18
p-
Range
SD
value
Inference
Min
Max
13.84
8.94
56.46
0.003
S
17.68
26.58
70.01
0.16
NS
S – Significant, NS – Not Significant
Irrespective of the vitality status of the teeth, the
Discussion
mean area and length percentages of translucent
Age estimation constitutes an important factor in
dentin in molars were more than premolars. Statistically
significant
difference
was
the identification of an individual in forensic
seen
odontology.
between the premolars of both vital and non-vital
i. Being used in cases where a dead body or part
group in respect to the area and length percentage
of body has to be identified
translucency but was not the case in molars (Table 5 and 6).
ii. Individual does not reveal his identity, iii. Legality of child marriage cases. iv. Even when the subjects have undergone changes [5]
so
extensive
that
external
Journal of International Oral Health. Mar-Apr 2013; 5(2):1-7
ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Effect of Vitality on Translucent Dentine….Selvamani M et al
characteristics yield no information, teeth are
control the rate of mineralization that would take
a means of identification.
place within the tubules, simultaneously due to inflammatory & repair changes with in non-vital
The amount of length & area of translucent dentin
pulp, the pH would be lower leading to
was shown to increase with age in both vital and
availability of free Ca++ & PO4 ions. This may be
non-vital teeth. This finding is similar to the
deposited on the previously formed intratubular
findings of Gustafon, Johansson, Miles, Bang and
dentin. Thus increasing the total amount of
Ramm study where the amount of translucent
translucent dentin in non-vital teeth in comparison
dentin increased in both vital and non-vital teeth
to vital teeth.
as the age increase3,4,6,7. Non-vital teeth presented a statistically significant
Conclusion
area of apical translucent dentin when compared
The present study revealed non-vital teeth showed
with vital teeth of same age group. Thomas et al8
a greater amount of translucency in comparison to
indicated that when percentage area of translucent
vital teeth, in both area and length percentages.
dentin were examined there were significant
Study also showed a greater amount of apical
differences in the amount of translucent dentin
translucent dentin in molars in comparison to
present in non vital teeth relative to the age of the
premolars. As the majority of the molars were 1st
patients (p < 0.05).
Permanent molars with the earliest age of
Present study has shown some apical translucency
eruption. Thus establishing that the amount of
has been found in the youngest age group (16
translucent dentin formed depends on age of
years) Confirming the findings of Vasilidis et al
eruption rather than chronological age.
(found just under 17 years of age), Bang and Ramm (marked translucency of root dentin was
References:
seen under 28 years) Thomas GJ et al but not
1. Dentin. In: Kumar GS, editor. Orban’s oral
supporting the view of Gustafson study, that
histology and embryology.12th edition. New
apical transparency only starts to appear after the
Delhi: Reed
age of 30 years
84.
.
3,6-9
Elsevier India Private Ltd 2008;
Our results suggested that non-vital teeth had
2. Dentin – Pulp Complex. In: Nanci A, editor.
greater amount of translucent dentin which
Ten Cate’s Oral Histology: Development,
conflicts with the findings of Bang and Ramm who
Structure, and Function. 7th edition. New
observed that the percentage of translucent dentin
Delhi: Reed Elsevier India Private Ltd 2010;
in non-vital teeth is well below that of vital teeth
211.
of corresponding ages6.
3. Gustafson G. Age determination on teeth. J
Our results supports the findings of Thomas GJ et
Am Dent Assoc 1950; 41(1): 45-54
al, who suggested that sclerosis is related to the
4. Johansson G. Age Determinations from
length of the time for which a tooth has been non-
Human Teeth. Odontologisk Revy 1971;
vital rather than the chronological age of the tooth.
22(21): 40-126.
The formation of translucent dentin in non-vital
5. Solheim T. Dental root translucency as an
teeth appears to be influenced by factors other
indicator of age. Scand
than age7.
J dent Res 1989;
97(3):189-97.
We believe that in non-vital teeth the odontoblast
6. Miles AE. The dentition in the assessment of
would have been lost & thus will not be able to
individual age in skeletal material in dental [6]
Journal of International Oral Health. Mar-Apr 2013; 5(2):1-7
ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Effect of Vitality on Translucent Dentine….Selvamani M et al
anthropology. (Symposia of the society for the
9. Vasiliadis L, Darling AI, Levers GH. The
study of human biology) Ed. Brothwell DR,
amount and distribution of sclerotic human
Vol. V: 191-209. Pergamon Press, Oxford.
root dentin. Archs Oral Biol 1983; 28( 7): 645-
7. Bang G, Ramm E. Determination of Age in
49.
Humans from Root Dentine Transparency.Act Odontol Scand 1970; 28(1): 3-35.
8. Thomas GJ, Whittaker DK, Embery G. A comparative
study
of
translucent
apical
dentin in vital and non-vital human teeth. Arch Oral Biol 1994; 39(1): 29-34.
[7]
Journal of International Oral Health. Mar-Apr 2013; 5(2):1-7
