Importance of Palatal Rugae, Denture Labelling, Dental Implants and Lip Prints in Forensic Odontology

International Journal of Dental Science and Innovative Research (IJDSIR) IJDSIR : Dental Publication Service Available Online at:www.ijdsir.com Volume – 8, Issue – 6, November – 2025, Page No. : 43 - 49 Corresponding Author: Dr Jerin Thomas, ijdsir, Volume – 8 Issue - 6, Page No. : 43 - 49 Page43 ISSN: 2581-5989 PubMed - National Library of Medicine - ID: 101738774 Importance of Palatal Rugae, Denture Labelling, Dental Implants and Lip Prints in Forensic Odontology 1Dr Jerin Thomas, Assistant Professor, Pushpagiri College of Dental Sciences, Thiruvalla, Pathanamthitta 2Dr Jibin Joy Daniel, Assistant Professor, Pushpagiri College of Dental Sciences, Thiruvalla, Pathanamthitta Corresponding Author: Dr Jerin Thomas, Assistant Professor, Pushpagiri College of Dental Sciences, Thiruvalla, Pathanamthitta. Citation of this Article: Dr Jerin Thomas, Dr Jibin Joy Daniel, “Importance of Palatal Rugae, Denture Labelling, Dental Implants and Lip Prints in Forensic Odontology”, IJDSIRNovember – 2025, Volume – 8, Issue – 6, P. No. 43 – 49. Copyright: © 2025, Dr Jerin Thomas, et al. This is an open access journal and article distributed under the terms of the creative common’s attribution non-commercial License. Which allows others to remix, tweak, and build upon the work non-commercially, as long as appropriate credit is given, and the new creations are licensed under the identical terms. Type of Publication: Original Review Article Conflicts of Interest: Nil Abstract Identification is crucial in ensuring justice within medicolegal investigations. In the realm of law enforcement, forensic odontology plays an essential role in victim identification. In complex cases where other investigative methods fail, dental identification becomes a primary resource. When a victim's natural teeth have been replaced with prosthetics, the prosthodontist's role in forensic odontology is particularly important. Investigations can be conducted by examining the labels on dentures and other dental appliances. Consequently, this field is gaining increasing recognition today. This paper provides an overview of the available literature that illustrates how prosthodontists can significantly aid in the identification of unidentified bodies. Keywords: Dental implant, denture marking, forensic odontology, lip print Introduction Keiser-Nielson in 1970 defined Forensic odontology or forensic dentistry as “that branch of forensic medicine which in the interest of justice deals with the proper handling and examination of dental evidence and with the proper evaluation and presentation of the dental findings.”1 The field of forensic science is defined as those areas of work that can be applied in a judicial setting and accepted by the court and the general scientific committee to reveal truth from untruth.2 Forensic odontology plays a very important role in bite mark analysis, human identifications and mal practices. Human identity is the mainstay of civilization, and the identification of unknown individuals always has been of paramount importance to the society. Not only is it important to identify the deceased to ensure appropriate obsequies, but also there are issues such as criminal investigations, insurance settlements, and military proceedings that can be resolved only with a positive identification. The primary benefit of dental evidence lies in its preservation post-mortem, similar to other hard tissues. Teeth are the most resilient components of the body, capable of withstanding temperatures up to 1600°C without significant alteration to their Dr Jerin Thomas, et al. International Journal of Dental Science and Innovative Research (IJDSIR) ©2025 IJDSIR, All Rights Reserved Page44 Page44 Page44 Page44 Page44 Page44 Page44 Page44 Page44 Page44 Page44 Page44 Page44 Page44 Page44 Page44 Page44 Page44 Page44 microstructure3.They can remain nearly intact long after other soft and skeletal tissues have been compromised by decay or incineration. Responsibilities of forensic odontologist include4:  Identification of human remains  Age estimation  Identification following mass fatalities  Assessing bite mark injuries  Assessment abuse cases (child, spousal, elder)  Civil cases involving malpractice Disaster victim identification process This process comprises four primary steps: body tagging and bagging, fingerprinting, forensic pathology, and forensic dentistry. The forensic dentistry team was split into two sections: dental examination and dental radiology. A prosthodontist can significantly contribute to the forensic dentistry team.5 Palatal rugae in identification Authors have detailed the application of palatal rugae patterns displayed on dental casts for comparison with discovered remains. This technique has led to successful positive identifications.6The configuration of these rugae is deemed distinctive to each individual and serves as a dependable method in postmortem investigations. The anatomical location of the rugae within the mouth, encircled by the cheeks, lips, tongue, buccal fat pads, teeth, and bone, ensures they are well-protected from injury and extreme temperatures. Consequently, they can be reliably utilized as a reference point during forensic identification.7 Palatal rugae have been likened to fingerprints and are unique to each person.8 This can be particularly significant in edentulous cases and in specific situations where fingerprints cannot be obtained, such as in the case of charred remains or bodies that have experienced extensive decomposition. By analyzing the rugae pattern, an expert may ascertain the identity of the individual who possesses the upper denture.9 Denture Labeling Regulatory authorities have advised that all prosthetic devices should be labeled with an identification system10, and various methods have been outlined for the identification of dentures.11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22 Engraving Methods The engraving system entails marking the models during the fabrication process, ensuring that the denture retains the marked information. This technique is simple and facilitates incorporation of a stable and fireproof label in the denture base material. Scribbing method The scribbing method entails marking the denture postfabrication. One approach involves inscribing one's name on the base of the denture using a waterproof marker or a graphite pencil after abrading the denture surface. Another method consists of printing personal identification labels directly onto the surface of the dentures without the need to remove the denture base resin Inclusion method The inclusion method entails the positioning of metallic or non-metallic labels or microchips, on which the names and service numbers are inscribed onto the denture. RFID is a technique for identification that utilizes radio waves. It comprises a data carrier known as a tag and a reader equipped with an antenna. The reader retrieves the information stored in the tag. Initially, connect the tag to the computer for programming, and then integrate the programmed tag into the channel located on the external posterior buccal surface of the denture. Finally, apply clear acrylic resin over the tag to reshape the denture. Dr Jerin Thomas, et al. International Journal of Dental Science and Innovative Research (IJDSIR) ©2025 IJDSIR, All Rights Reserved Page45 Page45 Page45 Page45 Page45 Page45 Page45 Page45 Page45 Page45 Page45 Page45 Page45 Page45 Page45 Page45 Page45 Page45 Page45 Identification of dental implants Identification of victims by dental implants is the emerging field in forensics Berketa et al.23 conducted a study to investigate the changes that occur to bonesupported dental implants following cremation when placed in the mandibles of sheep. A selection of dental implants was photographed and subjected to radiography. Subsequently, these implants were surgically inserted into sheep mandibles, and the entire heads of the sheep were cremated using a commercial cremator. After retrieval and reirradiation of the implants, an image subtraction evaluation of the radiographs was performed. The photography of the retrieved implants indicated that the batch number on the Straumann™ implant remained visible, which could significantly enhance the identification process of deceased individuals. Michelinakis. G et al.24 conducted a study using IRS software. The implant software identifies implants based on the provided specifications, enhancing the efficiency of the procedure when utilized alongside radiographic techniques. Various identification methods have been employed by odontologists for recognizing implants. The IRS contributes to the efforts of general dental practitioners in identifying previously unrecognized implants. This article aims to create a more straightforward software program that facilitates the identification of implants by gathering pertinent information, including images. The author has compiled comprehensive data regarding dental implant products through a World Wide Web search conducted over a period of ten months, encompassing all languages. A total of eighty-seven implant manufacturers were identified, resulting in 231 distinct implant designs categorized by implant body shape, abutment connection, and surface characteristics. The IRS principle involves collecting a positive dataset stored in a standalone database, with the potential implant system being identified through a series of questions. Additionally, it encompasses implant recognition by comparing the derived system with radiographic and clinical images. The contact details of the implant manufacturers, including e-mail addresses, web pages, and phone numbers, were compiled at the conclusion of the search. This software can be utilized for individual cases or in the aftermath of mass disasters for body identification, particularly when dental implants are present, by determining the implant system, site, length, and diameters. The author concludes that the task of identifying dental implants for clinicians and technicians would be made easier through the use of this IRS software. Dental implants also serve the purpose of identifying human remains through radiographic recognition and geographic assessment. In cases where a human body is discovered without dental records, identification can be achieved using radiographic images of the dental implant. The radiographs of these implants assist in determining the manufacturers and the design of the implant. Digital radiography of the implants is conducted to ascertain the type of implant. Radiographs are instrumental for odontologists in identifying victims. Nuzzolese E25 conducted a study is to identify unidentified victims who have dental implants by utilizing radiographic images. Forensic identification relies on comparing post-mortem dental records with antemortem records. In this research, Italian implant manufacturers were requested to provide specimen implants of various diameters. Digital radiographs were captured for all implants. The radiographs were taken with horizontal rotation and vertical inclination in relation to the radiographic beam and X-ray sensor. A total of fifteen images per implant were captured and analyzed to identify features that Dr Jerin Thomas, et al. International Journal of Dental Science and Innovative Research (IJDSIR) ©2025 IJDSIR, All Rights Reserved Page46 Page46 Page46 Page46 Page46 Page46 Page46 Page46 Page46 Page46 Page46 Page46 Page46 Page46 Page46 Page46 Page46 Page46 Page46 would facilitate implant recognition. The radiographs were produced using a trophy x-ray appliance, and trophy radiovideography sensors were employed. During postmortem implant radiography, the positioning of the X-ray device and sensor must replicate the geometry of the implant design. Multiple X-ray images are taken during identification to ensure a clear geometrical image of the implant is obtained. The digital radiographic images assist forensic odontologists in identifying unknown victims who lack dental records. Berketa J et al26 determine the survival batch numbers that are embedded in dental implants after incineration, serving as a means of identification. Rather than using batch numbers, the implants were designed to incorporate individual serial numbers, which facilitate the identification of victims. The batch numbers of implants before and after incineration can be compared. In this research, the author implemented laser etching of batch numbers within the chambers of the implants. In instances of victim incineration, it is crucial to verify that the implant batch numbers within the implant chambers endure the incineration process to a degree that allows for identification. The implant batch numbers were captured using a WILD Heerbrugg microscope connected to a digital camera. The batch number is distinctly visible on the implant prior to incineration. After incineration, the number remains discernible where an oxidation layer exists; the survival of the identifying batch number will be contingent upon the depth of the etched number and the thickness of the oxidation layer. Despite the high physical properties of implants that enable them to withstand thermal damage, the lack of distinctiveness in mass-produced items restricts their utility in identification. If manufacturers could be persuaded to include serial numbers on each implant, it could pave the way for a novel method of identifying deceased individuals. Lip prints The arrangement of wrinkles on the lips possesses unique traits akin to fingerprints. The wrinkles and grooves found on the labial mucosa, known as sulci labiorum, create a distinctive pattern referred to as lip prints, and the examination of these patterns is termed Cheiloscopy27 This can be described as a technique for identifying an individual based on the specific configurations of lines present on the red portion of the lips, or as a discipline that focuses on the lines that appear on this area. 28 Lip prints remain consistent throughout an individual's life and can be utilized to confirm an individual's presence or absence at a crime scene, especially if there has been interaction with beverages, drinks, or the use of cloths, tissues, or napkins, among other items, at the location of the crime.29 Nevertheless, a thorough investigation and the establishment of additional facts regarding lip prints will undoubtedly serve as valuable evidence in the field of forensic dentistry. Recording lip prints Lip prints can be recorded in a number of ways.  Photographing the suspect′s lips.30  On a non-porous flat surface such as a mirror they can be photographed, enlarged and overlay tracings made of the grooves.31  Applying lipstick, lip rouge, or other suitable transfer mediums to the lips and then having the individual press his or her lips to a piece of paper or cellophane tape or similar surface.30  Using a finger printer, preferably a roller finger printer.32  By having the subject impress his or her lips (without lipstick or other recording medium) against a suitable surface and then processing these prints with either Dr Jerin Thomas, et al. International Journal of Dental Science and Innovative Research (IJDSIR) ©2025 IJDSIR, All Rights Reserved Page47 Page47 Page47 Page47 Page47 Page47 Page47 Page47 Page47 Page47 Page47 Page47 Page47 Page47 Page47 Page47 Page47 Page47 Page47 conventional finger print developing powder or with a magna brush and magnetic powder.30 Suzuki and Tsuchihashi, in 1970,33 devised a classification Type I: A clear-cut groove running vertically across the lip. Type I′: Partial-length groove of Type I. Type II: A Branched groove. Type III: An intersected groove. Type IV: A Reticular pattern Type V: Other patterns. Similar to fingerprints and dental impressions, lip prints can serve as a means of identification. Lip prints are distinctive and remain unchanged throughout an individual's life.34 Evidence of lip prints should be sought on utensils and dishware, on glass surfaces such as windows or doors, and on photographs or letters. Additionally, lip prints may be found alongside bite marks on food items. In practical applications, lip prints have been observed on windows, paintings, doors, plastic bags, and cigarette butts.35 They are most commonly encountered in cases of homicide, sexual assault, and theft. Traces that exhibit clear lines and unique features allow for the individual identification of persons. In this regard, lip prints hold comparable significance to fingerprint evidence. When traces take the form of impressions, the identification process concludes with group identification; their characteristics are akin to other chemical and biological traces.36 Conclusion Forensic dentistry is crucial in identifying individuals who cannot be recognized visually or through alternative methods. The practice of marking or labeling dentures is not a novel idea in the fields of prosthetic or forensic dentistry, and forensic dentists worldwide have advocated for its routine implementation for many years. 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