Assessment of Nasopalatine Canal Anatomic Variations Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography in a Group of Iranian Population

Abstract

Background: With regards to the increasing use of implants in the field of dentistry, the recognition of critical landmarks is essential. Nasopalatine canal (NPC) is one of these important indices, which due to high esthetic expectations in premaxilla, should be precisely evaluated before surgery. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the morphological and anatomical variations of the NPC. Materials and Methods: A total of 326 individual cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images were analyzed in sagittal, coronal, and axial planes in order to evaluate the dimensions, morphology and anatomic features of the NPC. The canal shape, length, and curvature, incisive and Stenson's foramina (SF) dimensions, and the number of openings on both sides of the canal were assessed. The correlation of age, gender, and dental status with all considered parameters were analyzed. Results: The most dominant shape of the NPC was cylindrical (65.33%). The mean NPC length was 12.85 ± 2.63 mm, which was greater in men and showed significant differences between two genders (P < 0.001). The most frequent canal anatomical variation in the coronal plane was Y-type (50%). Through statistical analysis, the effect of gender on the canal length, anteroposterior dimension of SF, and mediolateral dimension of SF and incisive foramen (IF) and the number of orifices at the nasal floor was significant. Also, a significant relationship existed between dental status and curvature of the canal, anteroposterior dimension of IF and SF and furcation level of the canal. Conclusion: This study has highlighted the anatomical variations of NPC regarding its dimension, location and morphological appearance. Cylindrical was the most common shape followed by funnel-shape, hourglass, and spindle, which were the other canal shapes with less frequency, respectively. The results suggest significant relationship between NPC, and gender and dental status. The influence of age was not as significant as gender and dental status.

Evaluation of anatomical and morphological characteristics of the nasopalatine canal in a Turkish population by cone beam computed tomography

“…However, NPC length did not show any significant difference with age in the current study. This result was in accordance with studies conducted by Thakur et al [42], Panjnoush et al [29], Acar and Kamburoglu [1] and Safi et al [36]. Liang et al [23], Etoz and Sisman [10], Ozcakir-Tomruk et al [28], and Song et al [38] reported that the individuals with teeth had more long NPC length than the edentulous subjects, which this was similar to our result.…”

“…NPC length was statistically higher in males than females. This result was similar with previous studies [1,2,29,34,36,42,43]. The greater length of NPC in males than females may be due to the fact that males have relatively large craniocaudal dimensions [42].…”

“…The reason for these differences may be due to racial diversity and the use of different classification types, sample size, and age. The age and gender had no significant effect on canal shape, which was in accordance with the findings of previous studies [19,36,37,42]. However, the dental status had strong effect on NPC shapes in contrary to previous studies [4,28,38].…”

Radiographic Assessment of Anatomy of Nasopalatine Canal for Dental Implant Placement: A Cone Beam Computed Tomographic Study

“…Males showed significantly more length as compared with females. Our results are in agreement with Safi et al 11 We found the effect of gender on measured dimensions of NPC. It was found that diam eter of nasal opening (A1), oral opening (A2), and width of the buccal bone plate over the oral opening (A4) were significantly higher in males as compared with females.…”

Evaluation of nasopalatine canal using cone beam computed tomography - A retrospective study

“…Failure in implantology has been frequently encountered that require implant removal and tissue augmentation. Implant contact with neurovascular tissue such as the nasopalatine canal might result in the 6,7,8 loss of osseointegration or development of sensory disturbances. In order to minimize complications following implant placement in the incisor area, proper image of the incisive canal and foramen before implant placement is highly important since it can help determine the morphology and position of the canal in relation to the surrounding structures.…”