Rugae pattern determination in health and periodontal disease

Abstract

Background

Forensic dentistry is the dental speciality that relates & applies dental knowledge to legal problems. Rugae pattern is as unique to a human as one’s fingerprints & retains its shape throughout life. The anatomical position of the rugae inside the mouth keeps them well-protected from trauma & high temperature. Hence they serve as an effective landmark for forensic identification.

Aims

To find the difference in pattern of rugae between normal healthy individuals and those with periodontitis and correlation in male and female individuals.

Material and Methods

The present study included maxillary casts of attending patients who were divided into 2 groups: (1)75 normal patients and (2)75 patients having periodontitis. Palatal rugae pattern were then evaluated for the number and shape.

Results

The number of rugae was more in normal healthy individuals as compared to those with periodontitis. Circular pattern and wavy pattern was more prevalent in healthy individuals and periodontitis patients respectively. Males had more number of rugae and straight pattern was greater as compared to females who showed predominant wavy pattern.

Conclusion

Rugae pattern is a reliable reference landmark during forensic identification.Although we have found differences in pattern of rugae in normal healthy individuals and those with periodontitis, further studies are required to be carried out with a greater sample size to achieve significant results.