Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Dept. of Forensic Medicine, School of Dentistry, Khorasgan Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
2 Dept. of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, School of Dentistry, Khorasgan Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
3 Dentist, Private practice, Isfahan, Iran
Abstract
Statement of Problem: Sexual dimorphism plays an important role in forensic medicine. Sexual differences in the human skeleton have been well studied in many populations but odontometric analysis of the human sexual variation has been less investigated.Purpose: This study was designed to determine the sexual dimorphism by enamel and dentin thickness in radiography of maxillary premolars in an Iranian sample.Materials and Method: For this descriptive and analytic study, 100 individuals, (so males and so females) aged 20 to 35 years old, from an Iranian population were selected. The bitewing radiographs of the right permanent maxillary premolars were taken under standard conditions using a film holder. The radiographs were digitally scanned, and after calculation of image magnification, maximum mesiodistal diameter of dentin, and mesial and distal enamel margins were measured. Data were analysed by SPSS statistical software using T- test and Step function.Results: Mesiodistal dentin dimension was significantly greater in males, but there was no sexual dimorphism in the maximum mesiodistal diameter of crown, and distal margin of enamel. Enamel was significantly thicker on the mesial margin in females. First premolar displayed greater sexual dimorphism than second premolar.Conclusion: According to the study results, for determining sexual dimorphism in forensic medicin, the mesiodistal dentin dimension as well as the width of the enamel mesial margin of upper premolar teeth are acceptable parameters in Iranian population.Key words: Sex dimorphism, Maxilla, Premolar, Thickness, Radiography, Bitewing
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