Analysis of the Palatal Rugae Pattern in Both Genders: An Institutional-based Study

Dr. Deeksha Sharma; Dr. Niranjanaprasad Indra B; Dr. S. Gokkulakrishnan; Dr. Bharat Vashishat

doi:10.36437/irmhs.2025.8.2.G

Dr. Deeksha Sharma Postgraduate, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Institute of Dental Sciences, Bareilly, U. P., India.
Dr. Niranjanaprasad Indra B Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Institute of Dental Sciences, Bareilly, U. P., India.
Dr. S. Gokkulakrishnan Professor and HOD, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Institute of Dental Sciences, Bareilly, U. P., India.
Dr. Bharat Vashishat Reader, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Institute of Dental Sciences, Bareilly, U. P., India.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.36437/irmhs.2025.8.2.G

Keywords: Dental Cast, Forensic Dentistry, Gender, Palatal Rugae Pattern

Abstract

Palatal rugae are unique anatomical structures located on the anterior part of the palatal mucosa and have been recognized for their potential use in forensic identification due to their uniqueness and resistance to trauma. This institutional-based study aims to analyze and compare the pattern of palatal rugae among male and female individuals to assess gender-based differences. A total of 134 subjects were selected from the institutional database. Maxillary impressions were taken and rugae patterns were recorded and classified based on their number, shape (straight, wavy, curved, circular), and unification. The data were statistically analyzed to identify any significant sexual dimorphism. Results demonstrated. This study concludes that palatal rugae patterns show considerable variability between genders and may serve as a supplementary tool in personal identification, especially in forensic scenarios where other means are unavailable.

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