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Objective:The aim of this study was to evaluate the anatomy of the nasopalatine canal in a Lebanese population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) technology.Materials and Methods:CBCT images of 63 Lebanese adult patients were included in this study. The length, shape, diameter of the oral opening corresponding to the incisive foramen and inclination in relation to the hard palate of the nasopalatine canal were analyzed.Results:Of all canals assessed, 13 were hourglass-shaped, 23 were cylindrical-shaped, 23 were funnel-shaped and 4 were spindle-shaped. The mean canal length and the incisive foramen anteroposterior diameter were respectively 11.52 mm and 4.91 mm. The average canal inclination related to the hard palate was 17.09 degrees.Conclusion:Within the limits of this study, we conclude that in Lebanese patients, the shape of the nasopalatine canal is variable. No statistical significance was noticed between genders except for the canal length which was found shorter in our female sample.

Objective:The aim of this study was to describe the diameter and the position of the greater palatine foramen (GPF) in relation to adjacent anatomical landmarks in the maxilla in a Lebanese population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) technology.Materials and Methods:CBCT images of 58 Lebanese adult patients were included in this study and a total of 116 GPF were evaluated bilaterally. The diameter of the GPF and its position relative to the maxillary molars, and distances to the midline maxillary suture and to the anterior nasal spine were analyzed.Results:Of all foramina assessed, 41.38% were located opposite to the third molar, 29.31% were distal to it, 27.59% were between the second and the third, and only 1.72% were opposite to the second. The average diameter was 5.633 mm on the right and 5.723 mm on the left, and the average distances to midline maxillary suture and anterior nasal spine were 16.228 mm and 48.294 mm on the right and 14.907 mm and 48.122 mm on the left, respectively.Conclusion:Within the limits of this study, we conclude that in Lebanese patients, the GPF location is variable, very rarely opposite to the second molar, and more closely related to the third, but may present mesial or distal to it in one-fourth of patients.

The aim of this study was to demonstrate a possible correlation between radiographic trabecular bone quantified with fractal dimensions analysis and values of primary implant stability deliberated using the Osstell ® monitor (Integration Diagnostics AB, Goteborgsvagen, Sweden) with the density of bone specimens harvested from the implant recipient sites and calculated using the mass and volume of the bone bloc specimens.

Background:Maxillary nerve block through the greater palatine canal is rarely adopted by dental practitioners due to lack of experience in the technique at hand which may lead into several complications. Nevertheless, it is an excellent method to achieve profound anesthesia in the maxilla. This review focuses on the anatomy as well as the indications, contraindications, and complications associated with this technique.Materials and Methods:A literature search was performed using the scientific databases (PubMed and Google Scholar) for articles published up to December 2014 in English, using the key words “maxillary nerve block via the greater palatine canal.” A total of 34 references met the inclusion criteria for this review and were selected.Conclusion:Block of the maxillary nerve through the greater palatine canal is a useful technique providing profound anesthesia in the hemi-maxilla, if practiced properly.

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Sjögren's syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by lymphocytic infiltration, and consequently hypofunction of lacrimal and salivary glands. The loss of salivary function induces oral dryness (xerostomia). This review focuses on methods for determining salivary gland function including clinical signs, salivary flow rate measurements (sialometry), analysis of salivary composition (sialochemistry), histopathological and radiologic examinations, and other recent advanced techniques.