Three-dimensional observations of the incisive canal and the surrounding bone using cone-beam computed tomography

Abstract

Objectives The shape of the anterior region of the maxilla is critical when planning implant treatment. The purpose of the present study was to assess the typical morphology of the incisive canal and surrounding bone. Methods In total, 70 maxillae of Japanese dry skulls were used after being divided into dentate and edentulous groups. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of the maxilla were acquired by using standardized methods. Using the anterior nasal spine as a reference point, the change in position was measured and analyzed statistically. Also, three-dimensional (3-D) images of the incisive canal were classified into five subsets: cylinder, groove, penetration, bifurcation at the superior portion, and bifurcation at the inferior portion. Results The quantity of alveolar bone in the incisor region was greatly reduced from the alveolar ridge and labial surface. Moreover, the vertical position of the incisive foramen was significantly (P \ 0.05) superior in the edentulous groups. Regarding the classification of maxillae by the 3-D shape of the incisive canal, many canals were cylindrical. Conclusions Horizontal bone reduction from the labial side and vertical bone reduction from the alveolar crest were conspicuous; thus, the angle of the anterior alveolar bone changed after the loss of teeth. The incisive canal diameter in the edentulous group was larger than in the dentate group. The nondestructive assessment of the incisive canals and surrounding bone with CBCT showed two typical shapes for the presence or absence of the incisors. These findings indicate the importance of image diagnosis before esthetic restoration.

Observation of maxillary incisive canal using dry skulls between Hellman’s dental age IA and IIIC

“…4,5) The mean antero-posterior angulation at the inferior level was 75.3 degrees in IIIC, and the value was close to that of adults (mean: 74.3 degrees) in a previous study. 4) The mean difference of angulation between the inferior and middle levels was lower in IIA and IIC, and it was understood that the maxillary incisive canal was straight from the inferior level to nasal floor. Significant differences with different of angulations were noted between IIC and after IIIA.…”

“…It was suggested that the increase of the antero-posterior axis continued in stages after IIIC. Also, Asaumi et al 4) reported that mean antero-posterior and lateral axes in adults with dentate were 3.8 mm and 3.7 mm at the inferior level, and 2.8 mm and 3.3 mm, respectively. The ratio of lateral axis to antero-posterior axis simply calculated was 0.97 at the inferior level, and 1.18 at the middle level.…”

“…[1][2][3] The diameter and angulation to the palatal plane of the maxillary incisive canal in adults were reported in previous studies using spiral and cone-beam computed tomography (CT). [4][5][6] However, development of the maxillary incisive canal in childhood was not evaluated.…”

Morphologic evaluation of the incisive canal and its proximity to the maxillary central incisors using computed tomography images

“…However, more than 60% of our subject pool had an incisive canal width larger than the interroot distance, and individual variations of canal dimension, especially enlargement and asymmetry of the canal morphology, are frequently reported with 3D evaluation. 20,21,30,31 Anatomical features of the incisive canal have been studied in connection with rehabilitation of the maxillary anterior region [18][19][20][21][22][23][24] and the placement of orthodontic mini-implants. 30,[32][33][34] However, the consequences or the possibilities of incisor roots being in contact with the incisive canal following tooth movement are poorly documented in the orthodontic literature.…”

Morphological Characterization of the Anterior Palatine Region Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography

“…The most common surgical procedures in this region (also known as the premaxillary zone) include the extraction of impacted or supernumerary teeth, implant placement, endodontic treatment, periodontal surgery, the elimination of cysts, and orthognathic surgery …”