Comparison of the position and dimensions of Inferior alveolar nerve canal among males And females using cone beam computed Tomography - a retrospective study

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Forensic dentistry is a complex and intriguing part of forensic science that involves utilizing of dental sciences to identify deceased individuals. In cases where the skeletal remains and damaged or disfigured body parts are retrieved from crime scenes or areas of natural disasters, it is the responsibility of a forensic anthropologist to evaluate the evidence and determine the biological profile of the deceased. Gender determination categorizes an individual as male or female and is a key component in establishing identity and reconstructing an individual's biological profile, particularly from skeletal and fragmented remains discovered in mass disasters. A person’s gender is determined by evaluating the biological traits of his or her skeletal system, which differ among the genders as they are function- dependent. As it is a simple, quick, and non-invasive way to get crucial information without damaging evidence, radiological examination of human skeletons is frequently used in forensic anthropology. Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) permits accurate skeletal measurements for gender determination by providing precise images with high resolution and minimal faults. The present study was conducted to evaluate and compare the position and dimensions of the Inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) canal among males and females using CBCT images in the North Karnataka population.