Incisive Foramen Research Articles

CBCT evaluation of morphological characteristics of Nasopalatine canal and its related structure- A hospital based retrospective study.

Brief Background : To evaluate morphologic characteristics of Nasopalatine canal (NPC) and its relative position to Maxillary central incisor root using Cone Beam Computed Tomography. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study including 282 CBCT images divided into 5 groups: Group 1) 10 – 20 years, Group 2)21 – 30 years, Group 3)31 – 40years, Group 4)41 – 50 years, Group 5) above 51 years. The length and width of the canal were measured in sagittal section. Mesio-distal width of the canal and the distance between the Nasopalatine canal and maxillary central incisor roots at mid root (MR) and apex levels were measured in axial section. Statistical analysis was done using IBM SPSS version 21.0.Mean and standard deviation were assessed for all measurements. The significance level for all the tests was set at P < 0.05. Results: The NPC length, incisive foramen width (IF) and the position of NPC to maxillary central incisor roots at midroot and apex levels showed significant difference among age groups. Gender influences NPC length, IF width, and distance of NPC to midroot of right maxillary central incisor with high statistical significance and influences Stenson’s foramen width to a certain extent (but not statistically significant). Summary and Conclusions: The NPC canal morphology showed significant variations and it is always necessary to evaluate NPC before any surgical interventions especially assessment of implant site to prevent any complications. Key Words: Maxillary central incisor, Cone Beam Computed Tomography, Tooth apex

A new species of Oxymycterus (Rodentia: Cricetidae: Sigmodontinae) from a transitional area of Cerrado – Atlantic Forest in southeastern Brazil

We describe a new species of the cricetid rodent Oxymycterus (Sigmodontinae), which inhabits a transitional area between the southern Cerrado and the Atlantic Forest in south-southeastern Brazil. Compared to other Oxymycterus, the new species is large-sized with a tawny-brown pelage coloration. The new species could be differentiated from other Oxymycterus species by a combination of cranial characteristics that includes markedly large and inflated auditory bulla; a narrow rostrum and large incisive foramen, with the posterior extremity reaching the posterior region of the M1 protocone or hypoflexus; a wide parapterygoid fossa; the presence of a foramen ovale in the posterior region of the parapterygoid plate; and a thin hamular process of the squamosal. Bayesian analysis based on the mitochondrial and nuclear genes (cytochrome-b and acid phosphatase type V—Intron 2, respectively) recovered from the Oxymycterus sp. nov. showed it to be phylogenetically closely related to O. amazonicus and O. delator, all three species associated with open vegetation. The lineage leading to this clade likely emerged around 1.14 million years ago during the Early-Middle Pleistocene. Genetic distances between the new taxa and these two species calculated from comparison of cytochrome-b sequences are 3.7% and 4.1%, respectively. Currently, Oxymycterus sp. nov. is known from only two unprotected sites, with the type locality inserted in an area under the process of conurbation. Our study raises the number of living species in the genus to 16.

Three-dimensional quantitative assessment of palatal bone height for insertion of orthodontic implants - a retrospective CBCT study

BackgroundOrthodontic implants have found widespread use as means of maximum skeletal anchorage in fixed orthodontic treatment, their optimal insertion location in the hard palate, however, is still controversial. The aim of this study was therefore to assess mean bone height across the hard palate and possible age- and sex related differences to identify the most favourable location according to maximum bone height, optimizing primary stability and survival of inserted orthodontic implants.MethodsIn this retrospective cross-sectional study, maxillary pretreatment CBCT scans of 180 healthy orthodontic patients (95♀, 85♂, age 8–40 years) were analysed with regard to vertical palatal bone height in the midpalatal area at 88 validated points distanced 2 mm from each other forming a grid of 0–14 mm posterior to the incisive foramen and 10 mm lateral of the midpalatal suture. Differences in bone height regarding sex and topographical location were assessed by three-way ANOVA.ResultsIn general, the midpalatal suture as well as the anterior-lateral palatal region showed distinctly higher mean palatal bone height with its maximum 4 mm posterior of the incisive foramen, whereas bone height was limited at the posterior region of the midpalatal suture. Women generally had significantly decreased palatal bone height compared to men at all measurement points. Higher age was associated with a decrease of bone height in the anterior and posterior lateral palatal region and the median palatal raphe with significant age differences.ConclusionsThe midpalatal suture as well as the anterior lateral palate seem to be most suitable for the insertion of orthodontic implants. Palatal bone height, however, was found to be sex- and age-specific, thus sex- and age-related differences should be taken into account, particularly regarding implant length. The ideal insertion site in the palate with sufficient bone height for orthodontic implants is 0-8 mm (men) or 0-6 mm (women) posterior to the incisive foramen and 10 mm lateral to the midpalatal suture.Trial registraionThis study has been registered and approved by the Ethics Committee of the University of Witten/Herdecke, Germany (12/2016).

Maxillary Incisive Canal Characteristics: A Radiographic Study Using Cone Beam Computerized Tomography.

Background The incisive canal located at the midline, posterior to the central incisor, is an important anatomic structure of this area to be considered while planning for immediate implant placement in maxillary central incisor region. The purpose of the present study is to assess incisive canal characteristics using CBCT sections. Materials and Methods CBCT scans of 79 systemically healthy patients, with intact maxillary incisors, were evaluated by two calibrated and independent examiners. Assessments included (1) mesiodistal diameter, (2) labiopalatal diameter, (3) length of the incisive canal, (4) shape of incisive canal, and (5) width of the bone anterior to the incisive foramen. Results The mean width of the foramen labiopalatally and mesiodistally was 3.12 ± 0.94 mm and 3.23 ± 0.98 mm, respectively. Mean canal length was 18.63 ± 2.35 mm and males have significantly longer incisive canal than females. The mean width of bone anterior to the incisive canal was 6.32 ± 1.43 mm. As age of the subjects increased, incisive foramen diameter and incisive canal length were found to be increased. Cylindrical shaped incisive canals were seen in most of the individuals followed by funnel shaped and hour-glass shaped canals, and banana-like canal is least prevalent type. Conclusion The findings from the present study suggest that the diameter and length of incisive canal vary among different individuals and presence of very thin bone anterior to the canal would suggest that a pretreatment CBCT scan is a valuable tool to evaluate anatomic variations, morphology, and dimensions of incisive foramen before immediate implant placement in maxillary central incisor region.

Distribution of the maxillary artery in the deep regions of the face and the maxilla: Clinical applications

Composite tissue allotransplantation of the face has led to renewed interest in the vascularization of the maxilla. The maxillary artery, which is deep within the tissue and difficult to access, is considered the main artery of the maxilla. The objective of this study was to describe the distribution of the maxillary artery in the deep regions of the face and maxilla. Twenty-four maxillae were studied, of which 20 were injected with latex and four with India ink. The maxillary artery in the pterygopalatine fossa gave rise to the sphenopalatine artery, infraorbital artery, descending palatine artery, and posterior superior alveolar artery in all 24 cases. The posterior superior alveolar artery gave rise to a periosteal branch and an intraosseous branch (in the wall of the maxillary sinus) in 18 cases. The branch passed through part of the wall and the entire wall in eight and ten cases, respectively, and anastomosed at the anterior nasal spine and the infraorbital foramen. The descending palatine artery presented as a single trunk in four cases, a greater palatine artery and a lower palatine artery in 18 cases, and four branches in two cases. Intraosseous and periosteal anastomoses were found along with anastomosis through the incisive foramen, which were obstructed in three cases. The vascular territories were studied. The maxillary artery created an intraosseous and periosteal anastomotic network, explaining the supply pathways during different surgical procedures, risk of hemorrhage with orthognathic surgery (Le Fort type I) in a sinus lift for preimplant surgery, and the vascular territories.

On the Symmetry of the Bone Structure Density over the Nasopalatine Foramen via Accurate Fractal Dimension Analysis

The objective of the present paper is to describe all the anatomical considerations surrounding the nasopalatine foramen by relating them to the study of bone structure density via an accurate fractal dimension analysis in that area. We consecutively selected a sample of 130 patients, all of them with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images performed for treatment needs. We chose a specific window (ROI), which coincides with an axial cut at the level of the anterior nasal spine. Different anthropometric measurements were analyzed and a novel fractal dimension analysis was performed. Our sample consisted of 130 patients and was divided into two groups: group one (consisting of 65 subjects without loss of teeth) and group two (consisting of 65 patients with the absence of some teeth). In the sample, 52.31% were women (68 people). Mann–Whitney tests were applied to obtain the statistical results. The mean age of the patients in that sample was 53.67 years with a standard deviation of 8.20 years. We conclude that fractal dimension, a mathematical invariant, behaves symmetrically for binary images from the CBCT scanners of each subject of our sample of study. We also conclude that there were no significant differences between all the anthropometric measures used neither in the subjects themselves nor in the different groups. Therefore, some patterns of symmetry were appreciated at a complete range of levels.

A statistical analysis of incidence, etiology, and management of palatal fistula.

Objective:The purpose of this study was to retrospectively review the incidence, profile, and the management of palatal fistula occurring in patients operated for cleft palate in our institute.Materials and Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on all cleft palatal fistula patients who presented during the period from August 2007 to October 2017, to classify their site, age of presentation, surgery performed, and outcome. A record of the type of cleft palate and previous palatoplasty was also obtained. The outcome in terms of incidence and fistula formation depending on Veau's classification was analyzed.Results:Twenty-two patients reported with palatal fistula during this period. The incidence of fistula formation of our institute was 9.6%. Incisive foramen (13/22) was the most common site of fistula formation. Among various techniques used, local and buccal flaps were found to be useful in a maximum number of cases (14/22). The rate of fistula recurrence was 18.2% (4/22). On retrospective analysis of our institutional data, it was found that the incidence of cleft palate fistula was significantly higher in clefts with Veau Types III and IV (13/18) as compared to Veau Types I and II (5/18).Conclusion:This study shows that the fistula rate of our institution was 9.6%. Complete clefts (unilateral or bilateral) involving both primary and secondary palates predispose more to fistula formation.

Application of the foramina of the trigeminal nerve as landmarks for analysis of craniofacial morphology.

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to develop new parameters based on the foramina of the trigeminal nerve and to compare them with the conventional cephalometric parameters in different facial skeletal types.MethodsCone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans and cephalograms from 147 adult patients (57 males and 90 females; mean age, 26.1 years) were categorized as Class I (1° < ANB < 3°), Class II (ANB > 5°), and Class III (ANB < −1°). Seven foramina in the craniofacial area—foramen rotundum (Rot), foramen ovale (Ov), infraorbital foramen, greater palatine foramen, incisive foramen (IF), mandibular foramen (MDF), and mental foramen (MTF)—were identified in the CBCT images. Various linear, angular, and ratio parameters were compared between the groups by using the foramina, and the relationship between the new parameters and the conventional cephalometric parameters was assessed.ResultsThe distances between the foramina in the cranial base did not differ among the three groups. However, the Rot-IF length was shorter in female Class III patients, while the Ov-MTF length, MDF-MTF length, and Ov-MDF length were shorter in Class II patients than in Class III patients of both sexes. The MDF-MTF/FH plane angle was larger in Class II patients than in Class III patients of both sexes. Most parameters showed moderate to high correlations, but the Ov-MDF-MTF angle showed a relatively low correlation with the gonial angle.ConclusionsThe foramina of the trigeminal nerve can be used to supplement assessments based on the conventional skeletal landmarks on CBCT images.

Topographical variations of the incisive canal and nasopalatine duct in human fetuses.

The incisive canal for nerves and vessels is generally thought to run along a suture between the incisive bone (IN) and maxilla. In contrast, there was a report saying the canal passes through the IN or primary palate in human fetuses. Examination of sagittal and frontal sections from 69 fetuses (31 of gestational age [GA] 9–15 weeks and 38 of GA 26–34 weeks) showed that the canal often penetrated the IN at the nasal half of its course and that, in other fetuses, the canal penetrated the IN along its entire course, irrespective of involvement of the nasopalatine duct. Canals developing in and corresponding to parts of the suture resulted in partial enlargement of the thin and tight sutures, which contained loose tissue, vessels, nerves and even a duct. Small processes of the IN were identified as upper irregular parts continuous with inferior main masses of bone in frontal sections but as bone fragments in sagittal sections. In some sections, a thin layer of the maxilla along the canal covered the medial or inferior aspect of the IN. Therefore, the incisive canal with or without duct exhibited a spectrum of variations in topographical relation to the IN-maxillary border. Because the primitive oronasal communication passes through the suture, the nasopalatine duct may have originated from the secondary developed elongation of the nasal epithelium at midterm. A large incisive fossa along the midline on the oral surface of the palate might make a macroscopic finding of variants difficult even in adults.

Mapping of palatal bone thickness using computed tomography for placement of mini screws — A comparative study between genders, adolescents and adults

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to determine variations in cortical bone heights and thickness of the hard palate for placing orthodontic mini screws. Additionally it was evaluated whether there are any significant variations between males and females, adolescents and adults, right and left sides of the hard palate in the study population. Materials and methodsCBCT images of 50 patients were retrospectively analysed. Patients were divided into sub-groups: 25 males and females, 24 adolescents (age range 10–19 years) and 26 adults (age range 20–27 years). Hard palate heights and thicknesses were analysed from the incisive fossa to the inter-embrasure region between the 1st and 2nd molars were analysed. ResultsThe data revealed that the overall greatest thickness was at the canine-1st premolar embrasure region and the greatest height at the inter-premolar embrasure region. Males showed greater cortical thickness in almost all areas of the palate with significantly greater values in the inter-premolar region. Adolescents showed greater palatal heights than adults in almost all areas with significantly greater values in the inter-molar embrasures. The mid palatal regions showed significantly greater palatal heights in all subgroups. ConclusionOrthodontic Mini screws can be optimally placed in the anterior regions of the hard palate for all the groups studied. Males and adolescents showed greater cortical heights as compared to the female and adult population studied.

An Introduction to the Systematics of Small-BodiedNeacomys(Rodentia: Cricetidae) from Peru with Descriptions of Two New Species

The genus Neacomys includes 10 recognized species of Neotropical spiny mice in the tribe Oryzomyini. Five species have previously been reported from Peru, but the small-bodied Peruvian taxa remain unrevised. In this report, we present the first systematic and taxonomic revision of small-bodied Neacomys populations in Peru and describe two new species based on molecular, morphological, and karyotype data: (1) Neacomys rosalindae, sp. nov., from northeastern Peru, is distinguished from congeneric species by, among other differences, short incisive foramina with a wide maxillary portion of the septum, a small subsquamosal fenestra, and a karyotype of 2n = 48, FN = 50. (2) Neacomys macedoruizi, sp. nov., from central Peru, is distinguished by its gray-based ventral fur, large infraorbital foramen, and karyotype of 2n = 28, FN = 36, with a distinctively large pair of metacentric chromosomes. The results of our molecular analyses suggest that N. minutus (as currently recognized) is a species complex comprised of N. minutus sensu stricto, N. macedoruizi, and a third form that remains to be described. The other species described here, N. rosalindae, is the sister taxon to a cluster that includes the N. minutus complex plus N. musseri. Our data suggest that the upper Amazon River constitutes an important dispersal barrier for species in this genus.

The incisal foramen as a means of insertion for one of three ultra-short implants to support a prosthesis for a severely atrophic maxilla – A short-term report

As a continuation of our prospective cohort study for a total of 18 patients with 72 implants in severely atrophic maxillae corresponding to Cawood and Howell class V and VI (1988) [1] with four 4.0 × 5.0 mm ultrashort locking taper implants Ewers et al., 2018 [2], we now present a prospective cohort study with a total of 9 patients. The special feature of this newly modified study is the reduction of the number of implants to only three 4.0 × 5.0 mm or 4.5 × 6.0 mm or 5.0 × 6.0 mm calcium phosphate-coated Bicon Integra CP implants. Reducing the number of implants is possible by inserting the middle implant into the incisal foramen and the nasopalatine canal. All patients were restored with metal-free prostheses made of a glass fiber-reinforced hybrid resin material. Neither were any implants lost during the observation period, nor did any patient experience any sensory alteration due to the placement of an implant into the nasopalatine canal. Three implants were sufficient in all patients to stabilize their 12-unit prosthesis.

Development of Hard and Soft Palate During the Fetal Period and Hard Palate Asymmetry

In the present study, it was aimed to perform the morphometric analysis of the hard and soft palate in fetal cadavers and evaluate hard palate asymmetry during the fetal development. The development of the palate was investigated in 40 (21 males, 19 females) fetal materials aged between the 17th and 40th gestational week. In this study, distances between the incisive papilla-staurion (Ip-Sr), staurion-posterior nasal spine (Sr-Pns), incisive papilla-greater palatine foramen (Ip-Gpf) on the right and left sides, Sr-Gpf, and Pns-Gpf were measured. In cases with asymmetry, the ratio of asymmetry was determined in percentage using the asymmetry index. Moreover, angular values between Ip-Sr-Gpf and Ip-Pns-Gpf on the right and left sides were measured, and the right and left side values were compared with each other. The hard and soft palate lengths were measured on the planum medianum. Upon comparing the measured parameters between males and females, the mean values of male fetuses were higher in all parameters, but a significant difference was found only in the Sr-Pns distance among these parameters. Upon comparing the angular data and asymmetry index data on the hard palate between the trimester groups, a significant difference was found only in the Ip-Sr-Gpf (left) parameter. The mean ratio of the hard palate to the soft palate was found as 1.90. It is believed that the obtained data will contribute to studies to be conducted in fields such as plastic surgery, maxillofacial surgery, intrauterine surgery, fetopathology, embryology, anatomy, and obstetrics.

Three-dimensional Assessment of the Nasopalatine Canal and the Surrounding Bone Using Cone-beam Computed Tomography

Background and aims. Because of increasing concerns about surgeries in the anterior maxilla, including implant placement, it is necessary to examine the morphology of the nasopalatine canal and its surrounding bones. This study aimed to analyze the shape and position of the nasopalatine canal and incisive foramen using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and methods. CBCT images of 110 patients referred to Hamadan School of Dentistry were examined. The size and shape of the nasopalatine canal and incisive foramen, the distance between the incisive foramen and the anterior nasal spine, and the distance between the anterior border of the nasopalatine canal and the labial surface of the buccal plate were recorded. Results. The nasopalatine canal length decreased and its diameter increased with aging. The canal was found to be longer and wider in men. Patients without incisors had longer and thicker nasopalatine canals. The distance from the nasopalatine canal to the labial surface of the buccal plate was not gender-related but decreased with age. The distance to the labial cortical surface decreased significantly with loss of incisors. Conclusion. Given the diversities in the size and shape of nasopalatine canals, it is highly important to perform CBCT to prevent neurovascular damage.

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

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.

SPINA classification of cleft lip and palate: A suggestion for a complement

Spina's classification uses the incisive foramen as an anatomic reference to define groups I, II, and III. In some cases, the morphological manifestation of the cleft arises simultaneously pre- and postforamen, but without communicating. Considering that group I refers to isolated clefts of the primary palate and group III includes isolated clefts of the secondary palate, the authors suggest the classification group IIa for the association of these two occurrences in the same patient, thus associating two classifications. The original structure proposed by Spina is maintained and simply complemented and updated to Spina-A classification.

Anatomical features of the incisivus labii superioris muscle and its relationships with the upper mucolabial fold, labial glands, and modiolar area

The current study examined the incisivus labii superioris muscle (ILS) and its morphologic and spatial relationships with the surrounding structures, especially focusing on the upper mucolabial fold, labial glands, and modiolar area. ILSs were investigated in 52 specimens obtained from formalin-fixed Korean adult cadavers (26 left sides, 26 right sides of the face; 15 men, 11 women; mean age, 70.8 years). ILSs were observed in all specimens (100%). The ILS has an oblique and linear origin from the incisive fossa of the maxilla to the point just medial to the origin of the levator anguli oris muscle (LAO). The arising fibers of the ILS arched and covered the prominent labial glands at the superior margin of the orbicularis oris muscle (OOr). After the ILS coursed laterally along the anterior part of the upper mucolabial fold, it divided into superficial and deep inserting fibers in 48 specimens (92.3%) and it did not divide in 4 specimens (7.7%). The superficial inserting ILS fibers and the ILS fibers that did not divide blended with the medial fibers of the LAO to converge toward the modiolus. The deep inserting fibers of the ILS blended with the lateral deep fibers of the OOr in the 48 specimens (92.3%), and the deep inserting fibers continued to descend to converge toward the modiolus in 20 of those specimens (38.5%). These observations indicate that the ILS may assist to compress the labial glands and the upper oral vestibule, controlling modiolar movements and thereby integrating the movements of the mouth and lips.

Evaluation of Anatomical and Volumetric Characteristics of the Nasopalatine Canal in Anterior Dentate and Edentulous Individuals: A CBCT Study.

To examine the nasopalatine canal (NPC) anatomical and volumetric measurements in anterior edentulous (AE) and anterior dentate (AD) individuals and to compare these findings according to sex, age, shape, and severity of resorption in the premaxilla. Two hundred cone beam computed tomography images were divided into 2 groups: AE and AD. The diameter, the length of the NPC and the width, the length of the buccal bone anterior to the NPC were measured and recorded. Linear and volumetric measurement results were evaluated in terms of age, sex, dental status, shape, and severity of resorption. No significant differences were observed between the AE and AD groups in terms of the NPC volume (P = 0.289). In the AE group, the spindle shape had the highest volume, and in the same group, with aging, the volume significantly increased (P = 0.00). The mean NPC volume was found to be statistically significantly larger in males than females (P = 0.02). A statistically significant relation was observed between NPC volume and resorption status. Severe bone resorption due to sustained edentation complicated implant surgery because of the increase in incisive and nasal foramen diameters and decrease in buccal residual bone dimensions. The NPC volume was found fewer in edentulous patients, and by the resorption, the volume was decreased.

A new Miocene pinniped Allodesmus (Mammalia: Carnivora) from Hokkaido, northern Japan.

A nearly complete pinniped skeleton from the middle Miocene Okoppezawa Formation (ca 16.3–13.9 Ma), Hokkaido, northern Japan, is described as the holotype of Allodesmus uraiporensis sp. nov. The new species is distinguishable from other species of the genus by having the palatine fissure (incisive foramen) that is located anterior to the canine, an anteriorly located supraorbital process of the frontal, and by having the calcaneum with a developed peroneal tubercle. Our phylogenetic analysis suggests that the subfamily Allodesminae are represented by two genera, Atopotarus and Allodesmus, and the latter genus is represented by at least six species; Al. kernensis, Al. sinanoensis, Al. naorai, Al. packardi, Al. demerei and Al. uraiporensis sp. nov. Allodesmus uraiporensis sp. nov. is one of the oldest and the northernmost record of the genus in the western North Pacific, and it suggests that the diversification of the genus in the western North Pacific was synchronous to the time of their diversification in the eastern North Pacific.

Morphology of the human hard palate: a study on dry skulls

To determine morphological variations of the hard palate in dry human skulls, 85 skulls of unknown age and sex from nine medical schools in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan were examined. The transverse diameter, number, shape and position of the greater (GPF) and lesser (LPF) palatine foramina; canine to canine inter-socket distance; distance between greater palatine foramen medial margins; on each side, the distances between greater palatine foramen and base of the pterygoid hamulus, median maxillary suture and posterior border of the hard palate; palatal length, breadth and height; maximum width and height of the incisive foramen; and the angle between the median maxillary suture and a line between the orale and greater palatine foramen were determined. Palatine index and palatal height index were also calculated. An oval greater palatine foramen was present in all skulls, while a mainly oval lesser palatine foramen was present in 95.8% on the right and 97.2% on the left. Single and multiple lesser palatine foramina were observed on the right/left sides: single 44.1%/50.7%; double 41.2%/34.8%; triple 10.2%/11.6%. The greater palatine foramen was located above the third molar in 74.7% (right)/87.8% (left), between the second and third molars in 25.3%/9.5%, and above the second molar in 2.7% (left). A single oval-shaped incisive foramen was observed in 87.1%. The median maxillary suture angle was 13.74±1.58° on the right and 13.14±1.68° on the left. In conclusion, no significant differences were observed in any distances on the right and left side related to greater palatine foramen; however a significant difference (p <0.05) was observed between the right and left sides for median maxillary suture angle.