European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Background: In accordance of forensic dentistry, every palatal rugae has a remarkable distinct pattern in every human, it can be applied as an identification tool.
Objective: The objective of the present study was to investigate palatal rugae patterns in dentulous and edentulous patients and evaluate the reliability of these patterns in human identification. Methodology: The study group was equally divided into 30 dentulous and 30 edentulous patients, respectively. A duly filled and signed consent form was attained from each participant. Alginate impression material is used for primary impressions in a perforated tray and dental stone (Type-3 Gypsum products) was used to develop a cast. The number, length and shape were recorded after analysing the rugae patterns. Statistical calculation done by using SPSS system. Results: The mean of the total number of rugae more in dentulous (7095 ± 1.393) than edentulous (5.99 ± 1.001) participant. Dentulous subjects shows more curved rugae patterns (2.98 ± 1.321), primary rugae (6.86 ± 1.287) and forwarded rugae (3.84 ± 1.801) while more straight rugae patterns (3.15 ± 1.44) and perpendicular rugae (2.64 ± 1.425) found in edentulous subjects. Conclusion: This study concludes that there is statistically significant variation in dentulous and edentulous participant in term of shape, number, size and direction.