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Reliability of palatal rugae patterns in individual identification
T Smitha1, Vina Vaswani2, V Deepak3
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology and Microbiology, V S Dental College and Research Centre, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology : JOMFP
|March 14, 2022
Summary
Palatal rugae patterns can aid in forensic identification, but orthodontic treatment can alter their stability. The third rugae are the most stable points for evaluating tooth movement and establishing identity.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Odontology
- Orthodontics
Background:
- Dental identification is crucial for mass disaster victim identification.
- Palatal rugae offer a potential method for identification when comparative data is available.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of orthodontic treatment on palatal rugae.
- To assess the stability of palatal rugae as reference points for identification.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study of 137 pre- and post-orthodontic dental casts.
- Classification of palatal rugae patterns using established systems.
- Data collection by two observers with mean values analyzed.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in rugae length on the right side between extraction and nonextraction groups.
- A modest increase in rugae length observed in the extraction group on the left side.
- Insignificant differences in mean rugae lengths across all groups.
Conclusions:
- Palatal rugae can be used for forensic identification with available antemortem data.
- Orthodontic treatment influences the stability of palatal rugae.
- The third rugae are the most stable points for evaluating tooth movement and potential identification.
