Establishing the reliability of incisive papilla and palatal rugae patterns in individual identification.

Context: The study of palatal rugae forms an important basis of human identification, especially due to mass disasters where routinely used techniques may not be helpful.

Aims: This study aimed at evaluating the palatal rugae and incisive papilla on the basis of shape.

Settings And Design: The study was conducted in 280 individuals (males and females) among dental students of Dayananda Sagar College of Dental Sciences.

Materials And Methods: The study included 280 students from Dayananda Sagar College and out-patients from the orthodontics department. Pictures of rugae and the incisive papilla were taken from individuals aged 10-36 using a camera, mirror, and lighting. Two investigators analysed the shape of the rugae and incisive papilla using classification systems by Thomas and Kotze, and Ortman and Tsao, respectively.

Statistical Analysis Used: The data were statistically analysed using SPSS 20.0 software, and a significance level of ≤ 0.05 was used.

Results: The results suggested that rugae showing a wavy shape were the most common pattern in both the genders. Significant differences were observed in the curved rugae type between males and females. In incisive papillae evaluation, the pear shape was the most common, with the triangular shape being the least common.

Conclusions: It can be concluded that evaluation of palatal rugae along with the incisive papilla can be an important tool for identification of an individual and for evaluating various ethnic populations.