The greater palatine nerve and artery both supply the maxillary teeth: An anatomic and radiologic study

Abstract

Background: It is generally accepted that the greater palatine nerve and artery supply the palatal mucosa, gingiva, and glands, but not the bone or tooth adjacent to those tissues. When the bony palate is observed closely, multiple small foramina are seen on the palatal surface of the alveolar process. The authors hypothesized that the greater palatine nerve and artery might supply the maxillary teeth via the foramina on the palatal surface of the alveolar process and the superior alveolar nerve and artery. The authors aimed to investigate the palatal innervation and blood supply of the maxillary teeth.

Methods: Eight cadaveric maxillae containing most teeth or alveolar sockets were selected. The mean age at the time of death was 82.4 years. The samples were examined with colored water injection, latex injection, microcomputed tomography with contrast dye, gross anatomic dissection, and histologic observation.

Results: Through both injection studies and microcomputed tomographic analysis, the authors found that the small foramina on and around the greater palatine groove connected to the alveolar process and tooth sockets. The small foramina in the greater palatine and incisive canal also continued inside the alveolar process and the tooth sockets.

Conclusions: The alveolar branches of the greater palatine nerve and artery as well as the nasopalatine nerve and sphenopalatine artery supply maxillary teeth, alveolar bone, and periodontal tissue via the palatal alveolar foramina with superior alveolar nerves and arteries.

Practical implications: This knowledge is essential for dentists when administering local anesthetic to the maxillary teeth and performing an osteotomy. Anatomic and dental textbooks should be updated with this new knowledge for better patient care.

Keywords: Maxillary teeth; anatomy; cadaver; dental pulp; nerve block; root canal treatment.