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Case Reports
. 2020 Sep 30;38(2):57-62.

Human identification by the analysis of palatal rugae printed in complete dentures

T Lima de Castro-Espicalsky  1 , P Freitas  2 , R L Ribeiro Tinoco  3 , M Calmon  4 , E Daruge Júnior  5 , A C Rossi  5
Affiliations
Case Reports

Human identification by the analysis of palatal rugae printed in complete dentures

T Lima de Castro-Espicalsky et al. J Forensic Odontostomatol. .

Abstract

The study of palatal rugae is shown to be scientifically valid to human identification due to the unique number and style of the palatal ridges. Dentures provide an array of data and specifics that allow for the individualization of their wearers. This article describes the identification of edentulous, skeletonized remains through the analysis of the palatal rugae printed on the complete upper denture and subsequent comparison with the palatal rugae of an old complete denture of an unknown missing person. The analyses focus on the form, classification, location, and size of the palatal rugae which, in conjunction with the information obtained from the anthropological examination, resulted in a positive identification of the cadaver. This method has a significant impact on the identification process, particularly when other identification methodologies and techniques cannot be implemented. This case report highlights the importance of palatal rugae in human identification in cases of edentulous cadavers.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Cranium and edentulous mandible examined by anthropologist and legal odontologist.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Complete upper prothesis found with remains – internal surface moulded for analysis.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Complete upper prosthesis found with remains – occlusal view
Figure 4
Figure 4
Complete upper prosthesis of missing man – internal surface moulded for analysis
Figure 5
Figure 5
Complete upper prosthesis from missing man – occlusal view
Figure 6
Figure 6
Plaster model of interior surface of prosthesis found with remains. In yellow: correspondent palatogram In blue: the alveolar ridge contour.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Plaster model of interior surface of prosthesis from missing man. In green and red: correspondent palatogram. In blue: the alveolar ridge contour.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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