Three-dimensional Assessment of the Nasopalatine Canal and the Surrounding Bone Using Cone-beam Computed Tomography

Background and aims. Because of increasing concerns about surgeries in the anterior maxilla, including implant placement, it is necessary to examine the morphology of the nasopalatine canal and its surrounding bones. This study aimed to analyze the shape and position of the nasopalatine canal and incisive foramen using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Materials and methods. CBCT images of 110 patients referred to Hamadan School of Dentistry were examined. The size and shape of the nasopalatine canal and incisive foramen, the distance between the incisive foramen and the anterior nasal spine, and the distance between the anterior border of the nasopalatine canal and the labial surface of the buccal plate were recorded.

Results. The nasopalatine canal length decreased and its diameter increased with aging. The canal was found to be longer and wider in men. Patients without incisors had longer and thicker nasopalatine canals. The distance from the nasopalatine canal to the labial surface of the buccal plate was not gender-related but decreased with age. The distance to the labial cortical surface decreased significantly with loss of incisors.

Conclusion. Given the diversities in the size and shape of nasopalatine canals, it is highly important to perform CBCT to prevent neurovascular damage.