Radiographic evaluation of remodeling of mandible in adult South Indian population: Implications in forensic science

INTRODUCTION: Panoramic X-ray is an imagiological examination produced by a technique that exhibits images of the facial structure present in the upper and lower dental arches, as well as the support structures in the diagnosis of problems that require a broad view of the oral–maxillofacial complex, such as the assessment of traumatisms, extensive lesions, dental development, tooth retention, and growth anomalies. Many morphological and anatomical changes are exhibited by the mandible with the advancement of age and changes in gender, as well as dentoalveolar condition of the patient, and it can be assessed with the help of such radiograph, thus playing an important role in personal identification in forensic dentistry. AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate the changes in gonial angle (GA), antegonial angle (AGA), and antegonial depth (AGD) in adult mandible with regard to age, gender, and dental status using panoramic radiographs. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This cross-sectional retrospective study was done using hospital records. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 100 panoramic radiographs were evaluated. The images were grouped into three age groups (40–70) of 10 years each. GA, AGA, and AGD were digitally measured from the radiographs. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Descriptive statistics of the variables were expressed in percentage, frequencies, mean, and standard deviations. Statistical differences between the variables were explored using independent sample t-test and one-way ANOVA. The significant level was set as 0.05. RESULTS: There were no significant changes in GA, AGA, and AGD with age and dental status of the patients. Males had significantly smaller GA and AGA than females. Understandably, AGD was significantly greater in males than females. CONCLUSIONS: Remodeling changes of the mandible with respect to the age groups and dental status studied were minimal. However, gender-related differences in ante AGA, depth, and GA were significant, which can be used as a tool in forensic identification.