CBCT Evaluation of the Position of Palatal Neurovascular Bundle and the Greater Palatine Foramen in an Iranian Population

Background and Aim: Traumatization of the palatal neurovascular bundle (NVB) is a potential complication of soft tissue graft harvesting from the palate. Thus, it is imperative to have adequate knowledge about the position and path of the NVB. This study assessed the position of palatal NVB and the greater palatine foramen (GPF) in an Iranian population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods: This retrospective, cross-sectional study evaluated CBCT scans of 128 patients. The position of the GPF relative to molar teeth, the distance between the depth of NVB and the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) of canine to second molar teeth, and the distance between the GPF and the alveolar ridge, the posterior nasal spine (PNS), and the median maxillary suture (MMS) were all assessed. Statistical analysis was performed by the Chi-square test, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and ANOVA. Results: In 64% of the cases, the GPF was located close to the apex of the third molar in both females (49.4%) and males (50.6%), irrespective of age. The mean distance between the depth of the NVB and the CEJ of the canine to second molar teeth was 9.56, 12.36, 14.69, 14.98 and 16.01 mm, respectively. The mean distance between the GPF and the alveolar ridge, PNS, and MMS in edentulous patients was 2.23±0.65, 16.88±1.19, and 15.89±1.20 mm, respectively. Conclusion: Third molar is the best anatomical landmark to determine the position of the GPF. The distance between the palatal NVB and the CEJ increases from the anterior towards the posterior region.