Comparison of Palatal Rugae Patterns between Males and Females in Relation to Age among Iraqi Samples
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Abstract
The palatal rugae region provides a relatively firm and stable soft-tissue foundation that may contribute to secondary support and resistance to anterior displacement of maxillary dentures. Its relative resistance to post-extraction resorption makes it a useful anatomical landmark. The aim of this study was to assess the number, shape, and distribution of palatal rugae in a partially edentulous Iraqi population between males and females across three age groups (30–45, 46–60, and 61–70 years).The study included 60 partially edentulous Iraqi adults (30 males and 30 females) attending the Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, College of Dentistry, University of Baghdad. Maxillary impressions were obtained and poured with dental stone to produce 60 casts. Rugae were counted for each participant, outlined with a fine black pencil, and photographed by a Nikon D7100 camera. Adobe Photoshop was used to enhance visualization without altering morphology. Rugae were classified as straight, curved, wavy, or circular according to the Thomas and Kotze system. Data were analyzed using SPSS. Females showed a higher mean number of rugae than males (7.30 vs. 6.60), but the difference was not statistically significant. Curved rugae were most prevalent, followed by straight and wavy patterns. Converging rugae occurred exclusively in males, whereas circular rugae were absent. No significant association was found between sex and rugae pattern distribution (P=0.163). Palatal rugae number showed no significant differences by sex or age. Curved rugae were predominant, indicating that palatal rugae may serve as useful supplementary anatomical features in partially edentulous individuals.
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