Rugae Patterns in Dentulous and Edentulous Models - A Comparative Study

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Palatal rugae are asymmetrical irregular elevations of dense connective tissues located on the anterior third of the palate extending on either side of the mid palatine raphae, behind the incisive papilla. Palatal rugoscopy is defined as the study of palatal rugae patterns. The uniqueness of the palatal rugae suggests their important role in personal identification and they are well protected by the lips, buccal pad of fat and teeth. They are considered to be stable throughout life even after the completion of growth and hence are suggested for use in forensics.AIM AND OBJECTIVE: This study aims to analyse rugae patterns in dentulous and edentulous models of both genders.METHODOLOGY: The study group consisted of 100 study models of which 50 were dentulous and 50 were edentulous. Thomas and Kotze classification was followed based on form and position to assess the edentulous and dentulous rugae pattern.RESULTS: The present study concludes that there are variations in rugae pattern between the dentulous and edentulous models. However, the most predominant patterns were straight, wavy, and circular.