Determination the Position of Greater Palatine Foramen in Relation to Alveolar Ridge by using Cone Beam Computed Tomography

BACKGROUND The use of the cone beam computed tomography for analyzing the position of the greater palatine foramen is important in dentistry to avoid complication associated within the area. . The aims of the current study, is to measuring the distance from the greater palatine foramen to alveolar ridge by using cone beam computed tomography and compare the change in distance within the age. MATERIALS AND METHODS This prospective study included 60 Iraqi patients (28males and 32 females) who selected according to availability of Inclusion criteria, which include age range (21 - 60 years), with no dentofacial deformities or pathological lesion at the maxilla. Measurements were taken for the distance from the greater palatine foramen to alveolar ridge in the axial view by using cone beam computed tomography. RESULTS The average distances of the greater palatine foramen to alveolar ridge was 5.16 0.84 mm respectively, there was significant difference of distance according to age. CONCLUTION The use of cone beam computed tomography could prevent the complications of procedures carried out in the region of greater palatine foramen. The average distance from the greater palatine foramen to the alveolar ridge was statistically significantly differing according to age.