Dermatoglyphics- A Guide For The Selection Of Anterior Tooth Form

Abstract

Brief Background Successful rehabilitation of edentulous individuals begins from selection of artificial teeth in accordance with the patient's original tooth form. Various criterialike the pre-extraction records, the anatomical landmarks, anthropological base and certain theories comparing the form of the face, exist for harmonious selection and tooth form but none is accepted universally. The patterns of dermal ridges on palms and soles are formed during the 6thweek of intra-uterine period of life that is constant and unique to every individual. Since tooth germ also start developing at the same time, it is believed that the similar genetic factors may be involved in formation of dental arches, tooth form and dermal patterns. This study was conducted to correlate the association between tooth forms and dermatoglyphic patterns. Specific dermal characteristics exist in individuals with specific tooth forms. Dermatoglyphic assessment of long-standing edentulous subjects may help identify the patients pre-existing tooth form and thus aid in proper tooth selection. Materials and Methods This study was done in the Department of Prosthodontics, SRM Dental College, Ramapuram, Chennai, 90 patients between the age group of 18-30 years, were selected randomly within a span of 6 months following a simple random sampling technique. Thematerials used in this study were basic diagnostic kit(mouth mirror and probe), duplicating ink, gauze pads, A4 size paper, magnifying glass, DSLR camera(Canon, EOS 1500D). Method The sample consisted of 90 randomly selected patients, within the agegroup ranging from 18 to 30 years. The fingerprint patterns of the study subjects were recorded with a rolling impression technique and the tooth form was assessed from the photograph of the tooth. The fingerprint patterns for each digit were analysed and correlated with tooth form. Discussion Dermatoglyphics is modern-day science and a field of research which involves supplementing and assisting the diagnosis of medical problems. In the present study, the dermatoglyphic findings showed that group A (ovoid tooth form) had higher occurrences of whorl ridge patterns; group B (square tooth form) had higher number of loop ridge patterns and group C (tapering tooth form) had higher arch ridge patterns. The obtained results denote that the ridge pattern formation is a marker influenced by genetic differences. It also displays strong genetic association between anterior tooth form and dermatoglyphic patterns. Summary and Conclusion Dermatoglyphic analysis can be used as a reliable tool for identifying original tooth form in edentulous patients at an early stage, thereby aiming to establish function and aesthetics for edentulous patients. Key Words anterior tooth form, dermatoglyphics, finger pattern, forensic importance