A clinical correlation between stature and posterior tooth length

Area of Science:

• Forensic Odontology
• Anthropology
• Endodontology

Background:

• Determining the relationship between stature and tooth length is crucial for forensic, paleontological, and endodontological applications.
• This study investigates the association between stature and posterior tooth length in patients undergoing root canal treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish any correlation between standing height and the length of posterior teeth (molars and premolars).
• To analyze this relationship in adult males and females aged 20-50 years.

Main Methods:

• Measurements of posterior tooth length were taken from adult patients (males n=115-75, females n=124-80) requiring root canal treatment.
• Participants were categorized into height groups (females >155 cm vs ≤155 cm; males >165.10 cm vs ≤165.10 cm).
• Tooth length was measured using radiography (RVG) and an electronic apex locator, with data analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation.

Main Results:

• Significant associations between stature and posterior tooth length were observed in both females and males.
• Specifically, mesiobuccal (MB), mesiolingual (ML), and distal (D) roots of molars, as well as premolar roots, showed statistically significant correlations in both sexes (P<0.05).

Conclusions:

• A positive correlation exists between stature and posterior tooth length in both male and female individuals.
• These findings support the use of tooth length as a potential indicator of stature in forensic and anthropological contexts.