A Morphologic and Morphometric Study of the greater palatine foramen: An osteological study in Upper Egypt

Abstract

Background:Evidence supports a clear racial variation in the position of the greater palatine foramen. Therefore detailed knowledge of the population specific data on biometric features of the greater palatine foramen will facilitate therapeutic, local anesthetic and surgical manipulations in the maxillo-facial region. Aims &Objective: The goal of this study was to elucidate the morphological features and precise anatomical position of the greater palatine foramen in relation to the molar tooth . Materials andMethods:A total of one hundred adult dry skulls were assessed to determine the position, shape, and straight distance from it to incisive foramen. The position of the greater palatine foramen was determined in relation to the maxillary molars. Result: The results indicated that 47% opposite 3rd molar.27%opposite 2nd molar.26% between 2nd and 3rd molars. Distance from incisive foramen: on the right side it varied between 30.01to 40.94mm. On the left side it varied between 32.1to 41.4 mm. Conclusion:The GPF is most frequently palatal to the third maxillary molar. For an edentulous patientthe distance from incisive foramenwas about 30mm.