UNIQUENESS OF PALATAL RUGAE IN FORENSIC SCIENCE- A REVIEW

Abstract

Forensic dentistry is the proper handling, examination and evaluation of dental evidence, which will be then presented in the interest of justice. De-oxy ribonucleic acid, fingerprint, post and ante-mortem dental record comparisons are the most commonly used scientific methods of forensic identification. Palatal rugae becomes prominent in prenatal stage and maintain the shape throughout life, although they may increase in dimension. The basic assumption of its use in forensic science is that the rugae pattern was unique to every individual just like fingerprints and did not change during the course of life and was well protected from the various environmental factors. This article aims at reviewing the uniqueness of palatal rugae and its importance in the identification of an individual and their gender for use in forensic sciences.