Year : 2024

Volume : Volume 16

Issue : Issue 2

Address for correspondence :
Dr. Shreya Bhowmik

Abstract

Background: The Greater palatine foramen (GPF) is a neurovascular pathway in the oral cavity that transmits the greater palatine nerve and the descending palatine vessels. The aim of this present study was to assess and correlate the anatomic location of GPF with shape, number and gender in adult Indian skulls. Materials and Methods: 89 intact adult skulls were studied, and measurements were taken using Vernier callipers. The statistical analysis was done using the chi-square test and the Independent t-Test. Result: The majority of GPF was found in the 3rd molar region (61.8%) (n=34) and in females at 62.9% (n=22). In males, GPF was found behind the 3rd molar in 18.2% (n=10) of skulls and 17.1% in females (n=6). GPF was found between the 2nd and 3rd molars in 20% of male skulls (n=11) and 20% in female skulls (n=7). The average palatal index (PI) of the 47 measurable adult males was 86.96 ± 8.31, whereas the PI of the 42 measurable adult females was calculated to be 78.15 ± 5.87. An oval-shaped GPF was observed bilaterally in all palates of the skulls. No correlation was found in the number and shape of GPF in either of the gender. Conclusion: The GPF was predominantly found in the third molar region, regardless of shape, number, and gender, in all the Indian skulls. This information aids the clinician in identifying the area to anesthetize for palatal anesthesia during various dental and clinical procedures.