Comparison of Dimensions of the Palate Between Individuals With and Without Nasal Septum Deviation on Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Images in an Iranian Population

Background: Nasal septum deviation might disrupt the integrity of nasal septum components, resulting in deformity. Such changes might affect the morphology of adjacent structures. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the dimensions of the palate in subjects with and without nasal septum deviation on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images in an Iranian population. Methods: In the present cross-sectional study, the CBCT images of subjects with and without nasal septum deviation were evaluated in two groups (n=107) referred to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Tabriz Faculty of Dentistry in 2017. The presence or absence of nasal septum deviation and its severity were evaluated in association with palatal dimensions. Data were analyzed by SPSS. Independent samples t test was used to compare the dimensions of the palate. Finally, the Mann-Whitney U test was employed to compare palatal arch depth (PAD)/palatal interalveolar length (PIL) ratios. Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of the palatal depth (P=0.967), palatal width (P=0.223), and palatal depth/palatal width ratio (P=0.644). However, the results demonstrated significant differences in palatal depth (P<0.001) and palatal width (P=0.05) between male and female subjects. Conclusions: Overall, no significant differences were observed in the dimensions of the palate (depth and width) and their ratios between subjects with and without nasal septum deviation, although greater palatal dimensions (depth and width) were detected in males compared to females.