Mandibular morphometrics: An age and gender determinant in a Sri Lankan Sample – A digital panoramic tomography study

Abstract

Objectives: The present study was carried out on dental panoramic images in a group of Sri Lankans to ascertain the mandibular morphometrics, especially in relation to the ramus of the mandible. Methods: A total of 196 dental panoramic images (106 males and 86 females) between the ages of 5 and 87 years were retrieved from the archives in the Division of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Faculty of Dental Sciences, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. Results: Average values for condylar ramus height, coronoid ramus height, upper ramus width, and lower ramus width were higher in males, while average values of gonial angle (GA) and area were higher in females. A significant difference between the right and left sides for upper ramus height, lower ramus height, GA, and the area was not observed (P > 0.05). There were no significant differences between genders for average values for condylar ramus height, coronoid ramus height, upper and lower ramus widths, GA, and area (P > 0.05). However, the significant difference for average condylar ramus height and coronoid ramus height between 17 years or below and above 17 years could be considered a strong predictor for age in the Sri Lankan population. Conclusions: Mandibular ramus measurements using dental panoramic tomography cannot be considered a valuable tool in sex determination in the Sri Lankan population. Condylar and coronoid ramus heights could be considered predictors for assessment of age. Further studies on wider population to assess the significance of these parameters are recommended.