Comparison of Rugae Pattern between Dentulous and Edentulous Population of Rajasthan State

Garima Bhatt

doi:10.4172/2157-7145.1000254

Abstract

Context: Palatal rugae are irregular, transverse palatine folds of the mucous membrane located on the anterior third on the palate. The study of palatal rugae is known as palatal rugoscopy. It has been shown that palatal rugae are unique to every person so they are useful in forensic identification. Aim: To examine the palatal rugae pattern in dentulous and edentulous individuals. Settings and design: The total samples of 100 participants were taken divided in two groups consisting of 50 dentulous and 50 edentulous participants. Methods and material: The Number, length and qualitative characteristics of rugae were recorded on maxillary casts which were delineated using sharp graphite pencil based on the classification proposed by Thomas and Kotze. Statistical analysis used: Data obtained using these criteria and prepared for statistical analysis using student t-test. Results: Distribution of rugae and rugae patterns were not symmetrical in both the groups. Total number of rugae were more in dentulous group than edentulous group and the complex rugae patterns were also seen more in dentulous group while edentulous group consisting of more simple form of rugae patterns. Conclusions: There were significant differences in the size and shape of the rugae pattern between dentulous and edentulous population.

Highlights

Total number of rugae were more in dentulous group than edentulous group and the complex rugae patterns were seen more in dentulous group while edentulous group consisting of more simple form of rugae patterns
Forensic Odontology is a speciality in dentistry which occupies a prime slot within the total range of methods applied to medico-legal credentials [1]
Forensic odontology can be defined as a branch of dentistry which deals with the appropriate handling and examination of dental evidence with the proper evaluation and presentation of dental findings in the interest of justice [2]

Summary

Introduction

Forensic Odontology is a speciality in dentistry which occupies a prime slot within the total range of methods applied to medico-legal credentials [1]. In forensic dentistry, the oral cavity plays a very important role because of the unique anatomy of the teeth [4]. The use of palatal rugae was suggested as one of the method of identification in 1889 by Harrison Allen [6]. Due to the presence of gustatory and tactile receptors, they contribute to the perception of taste, texture of food qualities and tongue position during speech [10]. These important rugae features encouraged many researchers to reproduce the individual palatal rugae on the dentures’ palatal surfaces [11,12]

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Conclusion