CBCT-Based Three-Dimensional Characterization of the Greater Palatine Foramen in a Sample of Egyptian Population

Sara M Elsaid, Teaching Assistant, Department of Oral Medicine, Periodontology, Diagnosis, and Oral Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Mansoura University, Mansoura, EgyptFollow
Fatma Ata, Associate Professor, Department of Oral Medicine, Periodontology, Diagnosis and Oral Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
Ghada A. Elhusseiny, Lecturer, Department of Oral Medicine, Periodontology, Diagnosis and Oral Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
Bassant Mowafey, Associate Professor, Department of Oral Medicine, Periodontology, Diagnosis and Oral Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt

Article Type

Original Article

Section/Category

Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology

Abstract

Background: The greater palatine foramen (GPF) is an important anatomical landmark; precise knowledge of its location and variations is crucial in dental and maxillofacial practice.

Objectives: To assess the position, morphometric characteristics, and anatomical relationship of the greater palatine foramen in a sample of Egyptian population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). The null hypothesis was that no significant side- or sex-related differences would be observed.

Materials and Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study analyzed a convenience sample of 120 CBCT scans. GPF morphology, anteroposterior and mediolateral dimensions, location, and the distance to the intermaxillary suture were investigated. Statistical analysis was performed using independent-samples t-tests and chi-square tests.

Results: The GPF was predominantly situated at the level of upper third molars (57.5%). Anteroposterior elongation was the predominant morphological pattern bilaterally. The mean anteroposterior diameter ranged from 5.59 to 5.61 mm (P = 0.856), while the mean mediolateral diameter ranged from 2.70 to 2.82 mm (P = 0.180) on the left and right sides, respectively. The distance to the intermaxillary suture ranged from 14.89 to 14.90 mm bilaterally (P = 0.923). No significant bilateral differences were observed in GPF location (P = 0.939), morphology (P = 0.361), or morphometric measurements (P > 0.05).

Conclusions: The GPF demonstrated bilateral symmetry in location and morphometrics. These results provide population-specific reference data that could assist in preoperative evaluation and treatment planning in dental and maxillofacial practice. However, the findings should be interpreted in the context of a retrospective single-ethnic-group, single-center study design.

Keywords

Greater palatine foramen, Cone-beam computed tomography, Maxilla, Anatomical variations

How to Cite This Article

Elsaid S , Ata F , Elhusseiny G , Mowafey B . CBCT-Based Three-Dimensional Characterization of the Greater Palatine Foramen in a Sample of Egyptian Population. Mans J Dent. 2026; 13(3):
Available at: https://doi.org/10.61793/2812-5479.1196