Evaluation of the Nasopalatine Canal (NPC) in a subset of Pakistani population, using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate variations in the shape, diameter, length and width of the nasopalatine canal along with the width of the buccal cortical bone anterior to it, using cone beam computed tomography imaging. Methods: The retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from September to October 2020, and comprised pre-existing cone beam computed tomography scans taken between 2015 and 2020 of patients of either gender aged 18-60 years who had maxillary central incisors present. The shapes and dimensions of the nasopalatine canal were observed along with the buccal bone anterior to the nasopalatine canal. Data was compare with respect to age and gender. Data was analysed using SPSS 23. Results: Of the 90 scans evaluated, 46(51.1%) belonged to females with a mean age of 37.85+18.19 years, and 44(48.9%) belonged to males with a mean age of 38.07+13.58 years. The mean length and width of the nasopalatine canal was 11.28+1.90mm and 2.62+0.91mm, respectively. The nasopalatine canal was significantly longer (p<0.01) and wider (p=0.02) in males than females. The mean diameter of foramen of Stenson was 2.99+1.17mm and incisive foramen was 6.09+1.80mm. The mean width of the buccal cortical bone at the most coronal, middle and most incisal levels was 7.20+1.70mm, 6.12+1.31mm and 6.12+1.31mm, respectively. Buccal bone width was wider in males than females, but the difference was significant only at the midpoint (p<0.05). Conclusion: There was a significant difference in the dimensions of the width and length of the NPC with respect to gender. No significant differences were observed with respect to age. Key Words: Cone beam computed tomography, Nasopalatine canal, Pakistani population.

Nasopalatine canal cyst, a diagnostic twist

“…Considering the normal reported range of 2.62 (± 0.91) mm for the Pakistani population, an NPC was suspected. 3,12 Moreover, the upper central incisor roots appeared to be flared, which is another classic sign of a NPC. 9 The OKC is a benign odontogenic cyst that commonly presents in the maxilla; anteriorly between the canine and lateral incisor; or posteriorly, around the third molar teeth.…”

“…The incisive canal is a bony conduit through the hard palate, which connects the oral and nasal cavities. [1][2][3] Within this structure lies an epithelium-lined tube, known as the nasopalatine duct. Although the nasopalatine duct offers no utility, it provides the basis for the most common non-odontogenic cystic lesion of the jaws: the nasopalatine duct cyst (NPC).…”

Morphological Variations of the Nasopalatine Canal in the North Cyprus Population: A Cone Beam Computed Tomography Study

“…Based on the criteria reported earlier [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14], each patient's nasopalatine canal morphology was evaluated based on whether it had a cylindrical, funnel, hourglass, or banana-shaped in sagittal view (Figure 1). Additionally, by using the sagittal view, the horizontal dimension of the premaxilla region was assessed at specified levels using a sagittal cross-sectional CBCT image and measured in millimeters [15,16] (Figure 2).…”

“…Therefore, neglecting the anatomy in this area can result in nerve damage and hinder successful integration of dental implants into the bone [7]. Several approaches have been offered in published works to address these problems, including enucleation, implanting directly into the canal, guided bone regeneration (GBR), and placement of a bone graft [8]. Therefore, understanding the specific features, morphology, and dimensions of the NPC, which are critical anatomical elements in this area, is crucial [9].…”

“…Previous studies [8,[12][13][14] reported that the shape and dimensions of the NPC and thickness of anterior maxillary bone can vary based on sex, age, and ethnicity. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the morphological characteristics of the anterior maxillary nasopalatine canal and width of the buccal bone using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in 150 adults in Northern Cyprus.…”