Abstract
AIM: The greater palatine foramen (GPF) transmits the greater palatine neurovascular bundle, and its position and shape directly affect palatal anesthesia, palatal surgery, and graft harvesting. This study aimed to evaluate variations in the location and morphology of the GPF across different sagittal maxillary growth patterns in an Iranian adult sample. METHODS: Sixty cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were analyzed (20 per Sella-Nasion-A (SNA) angle: deficient, normal, excessive). GPF shape, location relative to the molar teeth, its position with respect to adjacent structures (including distances to the alveolar ridge, mid-palatal suture, contralateral GPF, and incisive foramen [IF]), and the angle between the mid-palatal suture, IF midpoint, and GPF midpoint were assessed and compared among the three sagittal maxillary growth patterns. RESULTS: The GPF-IF distance differed significantly between sagittal groups (right: p = 0.004; left: p = 0.005), being shorter in the deficient maxillary group. The distribution of the GPF position relative to the molar teeth also differed significantly between groups (both sides: p < 0.001). Other morphometric parameters showed no significant differences (Table 1). CONCLUSION: In this Iranian adult sample sagittal maxillary growth pattern is associated with variations in GPF-IF distance and its anteroposterior position relative to molars; these should be considered during palatal anesthesia and surgical planning. Further clinical correlation is warranted.