Assessment of Greater Palatine Canal Anatomical Pathways in Iraqi People by using Cone Beam Computed Tomography

Background The using of the cone beam computed tomography for investigation the greater palatine canal anatomical pathways and length is important to facilitate the surgical procedures within the canal region. The aim of the current study is to determine most anatomical pathways of the greater palatine canal in both coronal and sagittal views among Iraqi people by using cone beam computed tomography. Materials and methods This prospective study included 60 Iraqi patients (28 males and 32 females) from who selected after considering the inclusion criteria, which include age range (21 - 60 years), with no dentofacial deformities or pathological lesion at the maxilla. The path of the greater palatine canal represented by the description of the descending length tracing lines in the canals in coronal and sagittal views by using cone beam computed tomography. Results In the present study there are six anatomical pathways of the greater palatine canal in coronal view, and most anatomical pathway was inferior lateral then inferior medial, while in Sagittal view there are four anatomical pathways of the greater palatine canal, and most anatomical pathway was anterior inferior. Conclusion The Cone beam CT imaging scan can detect the exact anatomical pathway of greater palatine canal, the most anatomical pathway of the greater palatine canal in coronal view was inferior lateral then inferior medial, and in Sagittal view was anterior inferior.