Role of palatal rugae pattern in forensic identification of individuals

Abstract

Introduction: Forensic odontology is the proper handling, examination and evaluation of dental evidence in order to identify an individual, which can then be presented in the interest of justice. The objective of this study was to analyze any possible difference between the rugae pattern among males and females, which can be used for forensic evaluation as an adjuvant to other methods.

Material and Methods: The study was carried out at Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry (AFID), Rawalpindi. The duration of this study was from December 2016 – February 2017. A total of 100 maxillary dental casts were analyzed. The results were then analyzed using SPSS Statistics 21.0.

Results: There were no significant differences in the length of the rugae amongst different genders, however differences in the shape, direction and unification existed.

Conclusions: Within the limitations of the present study it may be concluded that the rugae pattern may be used as an additional method of differentiation between the male and female for forensic evaluation.