A simple working type Integrated Rugoscopy Chart proposed for analysis and recording rugae pattern.

Sir,

Palatal rugae patterns situated in the anterior third of palate have been studied for various purposes and reports have been published mainly in the fields of anthropology, comparative anatomy, genetics, forensic odontology, and dental specialties (specially prosthodontics and orthodontics).[12345] Study of rugae is called as rugoscopy and rugae have been classified by various scientists according to the position, length, shape, direction, and unification.[678]

This letter calls for attention to propose a simple working Integrated Rugoscopy Chart (IRC) for analysis and recording rugae pattern, based on various earlier classifications of rugae [Figure 1]. IRC will be a useful resource as it has several advantages, among which are its ability to carry enormous volume of information and reproduce position, length, shape, direction and unification of rugae on dental casts unmistakably, and in detail on a cost-effective basis.

Figure 1

Integrate Rugoscopy Chart

Explanation of IRC (following sections describes how to go about filling each section of IRC):

Position: This tells the address/location of the rugae. The rugae are designated as left/right and to which quadrant they belong. Palatal rugae area is divided into quadrants, with the goal of attaining the coordinates/position of palatal rugae. For this, six horizontal lines [Figure 2] divide the cast into five zones [Figure 3]

Figure 2

Location of six horizontal lines

Figure 3

Five zones on the cast

Length: Rugae are measured in a straight line between the origin and termination and are grouped into three categories: primary (5 mm or more), secondary (3–5 mm), and fragmentary (2–3 mm). Rugae < 2 mm are disregarded

Shape: Based on appearance rugae can be curved/wavy/straight/circular [Figure 4]

Figure 4

Shape of rugae

Direction: Determined by measuring the angle formed by the line joining its origin and termination and the line perpendicular to the median raphe. On the basis of direction rugae can be: forward directed/backward directed/perpendicular [Figure 5]

Figure 5

Direction of rugae

Unification: is said to have occurred when two rugae joined at their origin or termination [Figure 6].

Figure 6

Unification of rugae

Financial support and sponsorship

Nil.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.