The Anatomical Position and Size of Greater Palatine Foramen and Canal in an Iranian Sample Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography.

Abstract

Detection of location of greater palatine foramen (GPF) and its anatomical variations are vital prior to posterior maxillary surgeries. The aim of this study is to determine the anatomical position and size of the greater palatine canal and GPF using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan. To determine the anatomical foramen position, the posterior maxilla area was divided into five regions on the axial view (A to E from the mesial surface of the second molar to distal surface of third molar). The length of the canal was investigated on both coronal and sagittal views. Independent t-test was used to analyze the data. Among 80 females and 68 males, the anatomical position of the GPF was mainly located in region E on the left (55%) and the right (50%), and then, respectively, in region D and region C. The mean diameter of GPF was 4/48 mm on the left and 4/63 mm on the right side (P = 0/01). The average length of the canal on the coronal view was 29.46 mm on the left side and 29.75 mm on the right (P = 0.005). The average length of the canal on the sagittal view was 29.62 mm on the left and 30.02 mm on the right (P = 0.001). The anatomical position of the GPF was primarily located distal to the third maxillary molar. CBCT is a valuable diagnostic tool for evaluation of vital anatomic landmarks in the maxillofacial region prior to surgeries.