Utility of radiomorphometrics indexes of the mandible for age estimation in adults.

Abstract

Introduction: the mandible undergoes changes in morphology and density related to the aging process. These changes are measured by radiomorphometric indices that allow inferring bone density indirectly. Also, the age estimation process in adults is challenging since the modifications in the anatomical structures are gradual and require long intervals of time to be noticeable.

Objective: this study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of radiomoformometric indices of the mandible in age estimation in adults. The sample consisted of 230 digital panoramic radiographs of individuals of both genders (115 men and 115 women), with chronological ages between 20 and 81 years, where radiomorphometric indices were obtained in the premolar region and the mandible ramus, using the software ImageJ. An analysis of variance was conducted considering individuals' gender and age group classification categories with Tukey's post hoc test.

Results: a downward trend was observed in means indices values for the older age groups, showing lower values for females. Based on the interaction detected between gender and age groups, multiple regression models were applied to estimate age. These showed a better adjustment for males between 50 and 59 years (R2=82,85%) and males over 60 (R2=80,16%).

Conclusions: the radiomorphometric indices used in this study allowed to infer age from 50 years onwards in males.