Evaluating the Accuracy of Odontometry and Canine Width in Gender Determination – A Pilot Study

Abstract

Background: Radiographs, dental, and medical data are important in determining a person’s gender. Radiographic imaging modalities, including occlusal, hand, wrist, and orthopantomographs, as well as skull views, are essential to forensic research. Objectives: The purpose of this comparative clinico-radiological study was to evaluate the reliability of dental arch linear and angular measurements on occlusal radiographs and compare it with canine width measurements to assess their accuracy in gender determination. Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 52 patients with age ranging from 20 to 29 years. The subjects were divided into two equal groups. In Group A participants, maxillary canine width was measured, and maxillary occlusal radiographs were taken. In Group B participants, mandibular canine width was measured, and mandibular occlusal radiographs were taken. Linear and angular measurements were made by tracing the radiographs. The data obtained was subjected to statistical analysis. Results: PP (P value ≤ 0.001) is the best parameter for gender determination followed by mr and ml (P value = 0.001), CIA’L (P value = 0.004), MR (P value = 0.017), and ML (P value = 0.027). Conclusions: Dental arch occlusal radiographic measurements can be used for gender determination and are recommended as it has high accuracy and is simple, quick, and economical.

Keywords

• dental
• dental arch
• forensic dentistry
• odontometry
• radiography
• sex determination analysis