Zeitschrift für forensische Forschung

Palatal Rugea - an Aid in Clinical Dentistry

Abstract

Amandeep Bhullar, Raman Preet Kaur and Mamta Sharad Kamat

Among the common methods used in the forensic sciences for confirming the identity are fingerprinting, DNA analysis and dental comparison. In forensic dentistry, the oral cavity plays a very important role because of unique anatomy of teeth. In certain situations, if teeth are lost due to any reason, the most common of which is trauma, then the use of human palatal rugae has been suggested as an alternative method for identification. Palatal Rugae are anatomical wrinkles or folds called 'plica palatine', the irregular connective tissue located on the anterior third of the palate behind the incisive papilla. These are studied for various purposes mainly in fields of anthropology, genetics, orthodontics, prosthodontics, and forensic science.. These are formed by 12th to 14th week of prenatal life and almost remain throughout life. As they are stable landmark, which once formed, do not undergo any changes except in length (due to normal growth) and remain in position throughout person's life. Thus palatoscopy or palatal rugoscopy is used as an aid in clinical dentistry.