Rugae patterns are used in forensic investigations, owing to its uniqueness. In severely deceased burn victims, palatal rugae aid in identification process due to the resistance of hard palate. However changes in rugae form seen in diseases or trauma are intense in nature to alter identification process. Studies focusing on the effects of growth, tooth loss, or its combination are very few. Hence, the present study was carried out to determine the influence of tooth loss following extraction on rugae pattern in dentulous maxillary arch. A total of 25 patients with completely or partially dentulous maxillary arch indicated for extraction were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Following consent, Impressions of maxillary arch of patients were made using irreversible hydrocolloid material, and a cast was poured. The procedure was repeated over a period of 6 months after extraction and the rugae patterns traced every month were compared with the previous cast. All the observations were subjected to statistical evaluation. Based on the rugae pattern it was observed that line (mean 1.0 ± S.D 1.22), curved (1.3 ± 1.37) and sinnous (1.9 ± 1.56) patterns were predominant while circular, interrupted and trifurcated rugae patterns were less common. Though the frequency of circular rugae was low; conversely, it showed a high statistically significant difference between post-extraction follow up (P<0.001*) in their mean followed by Line and bi-furcated rugae pattern. We conclude that rugae patterns are not always consistent, as they are susceptible to changes during extractions that can alter substantial identification process.