New accessory palatine canals and foramina in cone beam computed tomography

Background: Palatal surgeries are associated with many complications. Accessory foramina may be a cause of concern.  The present study was conducted to assess the presence of and to evaluate the anatomical characteristics of accessory palatine foramina and related bony canals in cone beam CT scans. Materials and methods: The incidence, location, and types of foramina on the palate were evaluated in 170 CBCT scans.  Readings from coronal, sagittal, and axial planes were recorded using a computer program and evaluated. Results: Other than nasopalatine, greater and lesser palatine foramina, 278 foramina were seen in the palate in different locations. New accessory palatine foramina were found posteriorly in 14.71% of the studied scans with wide anatomical variations. Unusual foraminal canals were seen crossing the antral floor laterally. The anterior accessory palatine foramina were seen in 73.53% of scans while bilateral accessory palatine foramina were found in 43.53% of cases. Conclusions: Accessory palatine foramina and related canals are frequently seen in CBCT with many anatomical variations. New unusual connecting canals are found passing through the antral floor from palatine foramina to the lateral antral wall. These anatomical structures should be considered in preoperative planning for local analgesia and surgical interventions in the palate