CBCT BASED ASSESSMENT OF MANDIBULAR ODONTOMETRIC AND MENTAL FORAMEN PARAMETERS FOR GENDER IDENTIFICATION IN INDIAN ADULTS

Abstract

Background: Forensic odontology is essential for human identification, particularly in mass disasters, criminal investigations, and cases involving decomposed or skeletonized remains when conventional methods such as fingerprints or DNA are unavailable. Accurate gender determination remains a critical component of this discipline, particularly in fragmented skeletal remains. This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of two CBCT-based approaches mandibular odontometric measurements (linear and angular) and mental foramen positional morphometrics for gender prediction in an Indian adult population. We hypothesize that both odontometric and mental foramen parameters may exhibit sexual dimorphism and serve as potential indicators for gender determination. Objective: Primary Objectives 1. To assess and compare the diagnostic performance (sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, area under the ROC curve) of mandibular odontometric measurements on axial CBCT sections. 2. To assess and compare the diagnostic performance of mental foramen positional parameters (SLM, ILM ) on CBCT images. Secondary Objectives 1. To evaluate the individual predictive value of each odontometric variable. 2. To evaluate the individual predictive value of each MF parameter. 3. To explore whether a combined model incorporating both odontometric and MF variables improves overall gender-prediction accuracy. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on individuals undergoing full mouth field-of-view (FOV) CBCT scans for other dental procedures. The odontometric and mental parameter were measured. Results: Mental foramen parameters showed significant sexual dimorphism (p < 0.001–0.009), while only intermolar width was significant among odontometric variables (p = 0.031), suggesting MF measurements are more reliable for sex determination. Conclusion: Mental foramen positional parameters are significantly more reliable for gender determination than mandibular odontometric measurements. The vertical position of the mental foramen, as measured by SLM and ILM, exhibits robust sexual dimorphism and should be prioritized in CBCT-based forensic protocols. These findings support the routine incorporation of mental foramen morphometric analysis into forensic radiographic identification procedures.