Comparative Assessment of Rugae Pattern in Patients with Healthy and Diseased Periodontium: An Observational Study

Background: Rugoscopy is the study of palatal rugae patterns, and the present study aims to find out whether there are any specific rugae patterns pertaining to age group, gender, and different periodontal statuses. Materials and Methods: The rugae pattern was examined in 173 participants of Coimbatore using maxillary arch impression based on two classification systems. Assessed variables were number, length, shape, width, direction, unification, origin, rugae zone limit, and bilateral difference of the posterior rugae zone. The demographic data were gender, age (18–30, 31–50, and 51–70), and the clinical assessment of the periodontal condition (healthy, gingivitis, and periodontitis). Results: The number of rugae was more common on the right side. The primary length type of rugae and the curved rugae shape were predominant, especially in the 18–30 age group. A width of 2–4 mm was noted to be common, and periodontitis patients showed a statistically significant increase in the width of rugae compared to healthy and gingivitis patients. Forwardly directed rugae with diverging patterns and rugae originating from the medial half of the palate were more common. The majority of the rugae limited itself distal to the second premolar with no significant bilateral difference of posterior limit. Conclusion: This study found that patients with periodontitis had wider rugae, which was statistically significant. However, other study parameters did not show a significant difference between the groups.