Estimation of stature with the help of tooth length using cone beam computed tomography

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Stature is the primary tool in personal identification for forensic and physical anthropology for over a period. In the absence of full skeleton, the stature can be estimated from various skeletal components. Utilizing cranium and dentition measurements is simpler as these structures are fixed, grown and straight forward to locate. Few researches had been undertaken to establish the efficacy of teeth dimensions in height assessment. But we could not come across any such studies on tooth length. So, the present research was conducted to estimate the stature from tooth length using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods: Tooth lengths of all 4 canines were measured on digital CBCT using inbuilt software Planmeca Romexis® Software (Helsinki, Finland). Height was considered as measurement of length, from the head to toe using standard height chart. Pearson correlation test and linear regression analysis was used as a statistical tool for co-relation co-efficient and population specific formula for height assessment. Results: There was a very good correlation between tooth length and stature, with r value 0.12-0.81 and p value less than 0.05. The length of the mandibular right canine had better correlation with stature followed by mandibular left canine, maxillary left canine and maxillary right canine. Regression equation was developed from tooth length, to predict stature. Conclusion: Tooth length measuring using CBCT has a very good correlation with the height of the individual, as it is closer to actual length. Combined data, without sex as a parameter provides more accurate prediction. However, predication accuracy was better in females than males, when gender considered as a parameter in the regression analysis.