Comparison of Rugae Pattern in Dentulous and Edentulous in Indian Population

Abstract

Establishing an individual's identity is a crucial task in forensic identification. DNA comparisons, fingerprints, study of dental arches are some common techniques used in a Forensic Expert's armamentarium. Palatal rugoscopy proposed in 1932, has been sparingly used as an identification modality. Various studies have been undertaken to identify and then classify patterns of the rugae. Researchers have found that palatal rugae are highly individualistic and play an important role as a supplementary method in personal identification. Palatal rugae are well protected by the lips, cheek, and tongue and are thus secure from external insults such as fire and high-impact trauma. They do not change shape with age and reappear after trauma or surgical procedures. Anatomically, palatal rugae are irregular, asymmetric ridges of mucous membrane extending laterally from the incisive papilla-So with this in mind, the question that promptly arises is whether presence or absence of anterior teeth would determine of the rugae patterns? Present study is evaluation of 200 rugae patterns in dentate and non-dentate groups and assessment of any typical trend exists in the group. The findings of which could facilitate identification serving as an adjunct tool in forensic science.