Background: In forensic anthropology, the mental and mandibular foramina are important anatomic landmarks in mandibular region, useful in gender identification in forensic dentistry. Objectives: This study is carried out to predict the validity of the vertical measurements related to the mental and mandibular foramina on digital panoramic images in sex determination. Methodology: A total of 60 patients, 30 males, and 30 females were examined; age distribution was ranging between 20 and 49 years. Four linear vertical measurements were performed on the radiographic image of each subject on both sides of the mandible. Results: Comparison of both sides of mandible was similar with slight discrepancies in measurements, hence any side can be used for analysis, and the means of overall values for D1, D2, D3 and D4 were significantly higher in male than female. According to the analysis, D2 is highly sensitive, D1 highly accurate, D3 highly specific and D4 highly significant. Conclusion: Results revealed differences between the genders in all of the four measurements in this study, therefore these measurements were sensitive parameters to predict male gender and differentiate it from female and hence they could be applied successfully in forensic dentistry.

Background:The mental foramen is defined as the entire funnel-like opening in the lateral surface of the mandible at the terminus of the mental canal. The mental foramen marks the termination of mandibular canal in the mandible, through which the inferior alveolar nerve and vessels pass. Position of the mental foramen is important when administering regional anesthesia. The aim of this study was to determine the most common type and position of mental foramen in Bangalore population using digital panoramic radiographs. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 (50 M and 50 F) digital panoramic radiographs were collected from Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology within age of 15-50 years, type and position of mental foramen was analyzed. Results:The most common occurrence is Type I and position 4 (symmetrical) of mental foramen. Comparison of type in males and females appears significant. Comparison of the position in males and females appears not significant. Conclusion:The following study suggests that clinicians should carefully identify mental foramen thus minimizing complications during implant, orthognathic surgery and treatment of maxillofacial injuries.