Summary
The greater palatine foramen and canal (GPF and GPC) communicate with the pterygopalatine in skulls of Chilean adults. 31 skulls of both sexes were used. In the palates shape, length, depth and width were determined. In the GPF its shape, diameters and location were considered. In the GPC, their permeability and their coincidence with the shape of the GPF were recorded. The records were made with digital camera, precision compass, digital caliper, Korkhaus three-dimensional compass and metallic probe. The results show a predominance of the square shape of the palate over the triangular and rounded forms. The measurements of its length, width and depth indicate differences by sex and ethnicity. The shape of the GPF shows no difference by sex, with the oval shape prevailing over the fusiform and the rounded. The position of this same foramen also shows no sexual differences, with the position prevailing against the upper third molar, followed by the position in front of the space between the upper second and third molars and finally against the upper 2-molar. The dimensions of GPF are greater in male individuals. The GPC were found to be entirely permeable and the GPF did not always coincide in form with the cross section of the GPC. These results and their comparison with the literature indicate important variations, which prevents establishing objective guidelines for the anesthetic technique used in these cases.
KEY WORDS: greater palatine foramen, greater palatine canal, pterygopalatine fossa, maxillary bone, palatal bone, Carrea anesthetic technique.
How to cite this article
SALCEDO, A.; ARAYA, C.; SILVA, J.; BARRAZA, N. & LATÍN, A. Contribution to the descriptive study of the foramen and greater palatine canal. Int. J. Odontostomat. 13(1):40-45, 2019.
