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Quantitative and qualitative palatal rugae pattern analysis in population of Punjab

Background: Palatal rugae are irregular, asymmetric ridges of mucous membrane extending laterally from incisive papillae and anterior part of palatal raphe. Palatal rugae patterns are unique to individuals. Aim and Objectives: The aim of the study was to identify a pattern of palatal rugae in terms of size, shape, number, and to compare rugae patterns in males and females of Punjab population. Material and Methods: A total of 420 diagnostic maxillary casts (210 men and 210 women) were randomly collected from various dental clinics and were subjected to visualization using graphite pencil and magnifying glass under adequate light. Student t test using SPSS software version 20 was utilized for statistical analysis. Results: Total of 3,465 rugae were observed. Out of the total rugae examined, primary type of rugae were found to be more followed by secondary and fragmentary/tertiary. On the basis of shape, it was found to be straight followed by wavy, curved, and circular. On the basis of modified Kapali classification, converging type of rugae were found to be more in men and diverging type were found to be more in women. The mean rugae were found to be more in women than men. Statistically significant values were observed in relation to size (secondary type), and shape (curved and circular). Conclusion: The present study was localized to the population of Punjab. Not many studies with such a large sample size have been done for this region. Palatal rugae pattern is definitely a sufficient characteristic to discriminate between genders.