Anatomic characteristics and dimensions of the nasopalatine canal: a radiographic study using cone-beam computed tomography

Abstract

Background: Description of the nasopalatine canal (NPC) is important for planning surgical treatment, comprehension of the morphology and pathogenesis of lesions that occur in the anterior maxilla. The goal of this study was to analyze the dimensions and anatomic characteristics of the NPC on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans; to determine the incidence of anatomical variation; and to assess the correlations of these variables with age, gender, and dental status. Materials and methods: A total of 320 individual CBCT images were included. Reformatted sagittal, coronal and axial slices were evaluated. Sagittal images were used for measurements of the NPC and to classified shape and direction-course of the NPC. Coronal images were used to analyzed the NPC division levels and axial images were used to detect the number of palatal and nasal opening. Results: The mean NPC length was 11.45 ± 2.50 mm, statistically significant differences were detected between males and females (p < 0.05). Mean nasopalatine angle was 76.26° ± 8.12°, significant differences were detected in sagittal and coronal classifications. The most common canal was: funnel shapes (29%); slanted-curved direction-course (53.1%); middle 2 third division level (43.1%); and one incisive foramen with two Stenson's foramina (1-2) (77.2%). Conclusions: The current study ensures new findings on the literature concerning the description of the anatomical structure of the canal. Also, the study highlights a significant variability in the anatomy and morphology of the NPC. Therefore, three-dimensional analysis of this structure is important for facilitating surgical management and preventing possible complications in this area.

Morphological Characteristics of the Nasopalatine Canal and the Relationship with the Anterior Maxillary Bone—A Cone Beam Computed Tomography Study

“…The evaluation of the sagittal CBCT sections in this study revealed that the average A-P diameter of the incisive foramen and nasal foramen were 5.04 mm and 2.93 mm, respectively. These results are in accordance with previous studies [32,34]. At the same time, Borstein et al [8] found that the average A-P diameter of the incisive foramen was 4.45 mm, and the A-P diameter of the nasal foramen was 3.48 mm.…”

Significance of morphometric and anatomic variations of nasopalatine canal on cone-beam computed tomography in anterior functional zone - A retrospective study

“…However, Panda et al [ 2 ] and Panjnoush et al [ 7 ] found no significant relationship between gender and canal morphology. Age wise no statistical differences were obtained in our study; however, Görürgöz C et al ,[ 1 ] Salemi et al ,[ 4 ] Mishra et al ,[ 22 ] and Takeshita et al [ 23 ] found statistically significant difference between the age and length of the canal. The authors found that the canal length decreases with increasing age.…”

“…The findings were supported by findings of Panda et al [ 2 ] and Thakur et al ,[ 8 ] Gopal and Kapoor,[ 19 ] and Sathvik et al ;[ 20 ] however, the difference in values was statistically nonsignificant gender wise and age wise. On the contrary, statistical significant results were found in the study conducted by Görürgöz C et al [ 1 ]…”

“…Oral rehabilitation with implants in maxillary anterior region is a formidable venture due to its high and appreciable esthetic, phonetics, and functional demands. [ 1 5 7 ] Factors such as position of NPC, resorption of alveolar ridge may alter positive outcomes of the treatment. [ 12 13 ] Therefore, the knowledge at par of the three-dimensional morphology of NPC along with its anatomic variations is of foremost importance and should be thoroughly evaluated preoperatively.…”

“…Therefore, a sound knowledge of anatomy of the surgical site is essential. [ 1 ] Dental rehabilitation of maxillary anterior region is often challenging due to variations in morphometric dimensions of nasopalatine canal (NPC) or incisive canal and incisive foramen (IF). [ 2 3 ] Therefore, careful radiological preassessment of this region is essential before any surgical or prosthetic intervention.…”