Evaluation of sexual dimorphism in human premolars using longitudinal ground sections- A cross sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: Sex determination plays an important role in forensics. On average, males possess larger tooth crowns than females in contemporary human populations, although the degree of dimorphism varies within different populations. Ground sectioning of teeth can provide an accurate measurement of enamel and dentinal thickness and can be used for gender determination in forensic analysis.
 Aim: The main aim of this study is to evaluate sexual dimorphism in human premolars using longitudinal ground sections.
 Materials & Method: In this study extracted premolar teeth of males and females were taken. Longitudinal ground sectioning of these teeth was made and later examined under light microscope under customized grids.
 Results: Data was statistically analyzed and results were tabulated. It was found that enamel area and average enamel thickness was higher in females than males and coronal dentinal areas were more in males.
 Conclusion: Results of this study suggest that the differences in crown morphology among males and females can be used as a potential tool in forensic analysis.