Palatal Rugae - A tool in forensic odontology

Aim To study the palatal rugae pattern among Indian, Tibetan and Malaysian males.

Objectives

To classify the rugae pattern among different groups using Thomas and Kotze classification

To find out the most common pattern in individual groups

To compare palatal rugae among different groups

Methodology Maxillary impressions of volunteers of various age groups ranging from 18 to 50 years was made with the help of alginate impression materials. Casts were prepared out of impression. The palatal rugae were assessed based on Thomas and Kotze classification of rugae pattern (1972). The results were statistically analyzed.

Results This study demonstrates a significant variation in the rugae patterns of the study populations. Parameters like the length and shape of the rugae show racial differences.

Conclusion Rugae patterns have great utility in population differentiation and should be examined in detail in large samples to further validate our findings.