Mental foramen as an indicator of patient’s gender, panoramic study in Qassim province, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Introduction: Gender can be determined by numerous pieces of the skeleton structure. Mental foramen is one of the mandibular components that can demonstrate the gender. Aim of the study: to assess patient’s gender by analysis of mental foramen on panoramic radiograph in Qassim region. Method and material: A retrospective study was performed on 400 panoramic radiographs. 200 males and 200 females were included in this study. Panoramic radiograph machine was used in this study is (Soredex-cranex x- ray machine). Several lines measured in this study related to the mental foramen: 1-The distance from the alveolar crest of the mandible to the superior margin of mental foramen 2-The distance from the superior margin of mental foramen to lower border of the mandible 3-The distance from inferior margin of mental foramen to lower border of mandible. 4-The distance from inferior margin of mental foramen to alveolar crest of the mandible. Statistical analysis of the obtained data was carried out using Statistical Package for Social the Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. Chi-square test was applied to find the significant value and P ≤ 0.05 was considered as a significant value. Result: The average mean values in males were higher compared to females. When comparing right and left sides of the same individual, the values were similar in both groups except the distance from inferior margin of mental foramen to lower border of mandible in females left side which was higher than right side. Conclusion: Based on the data collected in this study, an increased value was seen for males on all parameters related to the mental foramen when compared to females. Whereas the mean value of right and left sides of the same individuals were similar related to the two groups. The distance from inferior margin of mental foramen to lower border of the mandible showed a significant difference among females in Qassim province, Saudi Arabia.

The mental foramen, anatomical parameters through a radiographic approach to aid in dental implantology: A retrospective analysis in a sample of a Palestinian population

“…The distance from the superior border of the mental foramen to the inferior border of the mandible was shown to differ significantly between genders in a study conducted by Sheikhi & Kheir [ 30 ]. Other studies [ 12 , 31 ] also showed that distances from the MF to the alveolar crest and inferior mandibular border were significantly higher for males.…”