CBCT-based Morphometric Study of the GPF in Relation to Landmarks Relevant to the Edentulous Maxilla

Background: The association between the maxillary denture-bearing area and the greater palatine neurovascular bundle may be affected by anatomical variation of the Greater Palatine Foramen (GPF). Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), this study assessed GPF and greater palatine canal measures and looked at how they varied by side, gender and age. Methods: Seventy CBCT scans from 30 men and 40 women who were at least 18 years old were included in this retrospective cross-sectional investigation. The scans were selected from a private radiology archive during January 2025 and January 2026. Ninety-three eligible consecutive scans were selected among which 23 cases were excluded and 70 patients were included. One-hundred and forty foramina were obtained from the evaluation of both sides. Multiplanar reconstructions were used to quantify the canal emergence angle, GPF-to-midpalatal suture distance and GPF-to-alveolar crest distance. Paired-samples t-tests were used to compare bilateral measurements. Independent-samples t-tests and patient-level bilateral means were used to compare gender and age groups. Relationships between measurements were evaluated using Pearson correlation. Results: The canal emergence angle was 123.69±8.23°, the GPF-to-midpalatal suture distance was 13.02±1.68 mm and the GPF-to-alveolar crest distance was 12.42±3.37 mm. The left side had a considerably larger GPF-to-alveolar crest distance than the right (12.71±3.27 versus 12.12±3.47 mm; p = 0.009). Additionally, it was considerably higher in patients between the ages of 18 and 49 than in those 50 years and over (13.22±3.20 versus 11.66±3.14 mm; p = 0.043). There was little side-to-side variation in midpalatal distance and emergence angle. There were no discernible relationships between measures or gender differences. Conclusion: There was significant individual diversity in GPF anatomy. Its association to the alveolar crest was impacted by age and anatomical side. When current CBCT imaging is clinically available for examination, patient-specific assessment may promote proper maxillary full denture contouring and lessen pressure on the greater palatine neurovascular area.