Digital Anthropometric Analysis of Palatal Rugae Pattern in Qassim Population, Saudi Arabia

Background: Palatal rugae are asymmetric irregularity in anterior part of palate with unique configuration and different forms in different populations.

Aims: To digitally determine the number and pattern of palatal rugae in Qassim population.

Study Design: Cross sectional descriptive study.

Place and Duration of Study: Sample: They were selected from dental lab in Qassim University Dental Clinic, Saudi Arabia, between March and May 2017.

Methodology: Using Microsoft surface pen, 109 images of models of adult patients in Qassim were digital traced. The palatal rugae pattern was assessed on the basis of number, shape, direction, and unification.

Results: The mean number of palatal rugae were 9.38 in males and 8.85 in females. The most common shape of palatal rugae was the wavy 39.1% of study population.

Conclusion: Wavy and straight shape palatal rugae are the most common shape of rugae with no statistically significant difference between males and females.