Greater Palatine nerve and vessel 

The greater palatine nerve runs forward in a groove on the inferior surface of the hard palate to communicate with nasopalatine nerve in incisor region. The greater palatine artery and vein accompany the nerve. As the maxillary alveolar process atrophies it shifts to the palate bringing the crest of the ridge closer to the greater palatine neurovascular bundle. The implant dentist should be aware that an incision too palatal to the crest of the ridge in the atrophied maxilla may injure these vital structures.