Comparison of cone-beam computed tomography and panoramic radiography for mandibular morphometry

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the morphological differences in the mandible between patients with six age groups and to detect the correlation between these parameters on panoramic radiography (PR) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and methods: A total of 121 subjects (50 males and 71 females) were included in the study and were divided into six age groups (10-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and 60-69) on the basis of the chronological age. CBCT and PR methods were used to record the mandibular measurements for the same 121 patients. Differences between male and female mandibular morphometric measurements, between right and left side measurements, and differences in age subgroups compared by using independent samples t-test, paired samples t-test, and one-way ANOVA test, respectively. P < 0.05 value was considered statistically significant for all analysis. Results: Males mostly have higher mandibular measurement values. There were statistically significant differences between CBCT and PR measurements (p < 0.05). PR mostly showed higher values than CBCT measurements. Conclusions: Based on the fact that PRs showing significant differences from CBCT in the morphometric measurements made on mandible, it is recommended that forensic doctors and anthropologists consider this information in their age and gender prediction studies.