Palatine rugae and their significance in clinical dentistry: a review of the literature.

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.