The Journal of the American Dental Association
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J Am Dent Assoc, Vol 139, No 11, 1471-1478.
© 2008 American Dental Association
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CLINICAL PRACTICE

JADA Continuing Education

Palatine Rugae and Their Significance in Clinical Dentistry

A Review of the Literature



Manashvini S. Patil, MDS, Sanjayagouda B. Patil, MDS, MFDS-RCPSG-UK and Ashith B. Acharya, BDS

Background. The palatine rugae have interested dentists not only because of their typical pattern of orientation but also because of their usefulness as a reference landmark in various dental treatment modalities. The pattern of orientation is formed by the 12th to 14th week of prenatal life and remains stable until the oral mucosa degenerates after death. The palatine rugae possess unique characteristics that could be used in circumstances in which it is difficult to identify a dead person according to fingerprints or dental records.

Types of Studies Reviewed. The authors reviewed the literature by using key words regarding the anatomy, development, classification, clinical significance and forensic aspects of palatine rugae.

Conclusion and Clinical Implications. Palatine rugae are permanent and unique to each person, and clinicians and scientists can use them to establish identity through discrimination. If particular rugae patterns could be established for different ethnic groups, they would assist the forensic odontologist in the identification of a person. Because they are a stable landmark, the palatine rugae also can play a significant role in clinical dentistry.

Key Words: Palatine rugae; forensic dentistry; dental prosthesis; dental arch; cleft palate; orthodontic tooth movement

Abbreviations: AP: Anterior-most point • IP: Incisive papilla • MPE: Mesiopalatal cusp of second primary molar • MP6: Mesiopalatal cusp of first permanent molar • MRE: Median palatal raphae in relation to second primary molar • MR6: Median palatal raphae in relation to first permanent molar • PBA: Posterior border of last ruga • PB3: Posterior border of last primary or secondary ruga • 3-D: Three-dimensional






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