Utility of radiomorphometrics indexes of the mandible for age estimation in adults

Abstract

The mandible undergoes changes in morphology and density related to the aging process. Bone density has been indirectly inferred by radiomorphometric indices. The process of age estimation in adults is challenging since the modifications that occur in the anatomical structures are gradual and require long intervals of time to be noticeable. The objective of this work was to evaluate the usefulness of radiomoformometric indices of the mandible in age estimation in adults. The sample consisted of 230 digital panoramic radiographs of individuals of both sexes (115 men and 115 women), with chronological ages between 20 and 81 years, where radiomorphometric indices were obtained in the premolar region and the mandible ramus, using the software ImageJ. A downward trend was observed in means indices values for the older age groups, showing lower values for the female sex. From the age of 40, significant differences were verified between the sexes for most of the indices. When comparing the obtained values in individuals over 60 years of age with those evidenced in younger subjects, significant differences were found with the younger age groups (20-40 years). Multiple regression models were constructed to estimate the age for individuals over 40 years of age. Conclusions: the studied radiomorphometric indices allowed to infer an age from 40 years, this being more precise in subjects aged 60 years or more and in males.