Differences in the shape and direction-course of the nasopalatine canal among dentate, partially edentulous and completely edentulous subjects

Abstract

We aimed to analyze the nasopalatine canal shape and anatomical variations of the buccal bone wall and compare the effect of the presence or absence of the central maxillary incisors on the nasopalatine canal. The shape of the nasopalatine canal and the dimensions of the buccal bone wall were measured in 150 patients who underwent a cone-beam computed tomography study. We found that the most prevalent shape of the nasopalatine canal was funnel (31%) and the most common direction-course was slanted-straight (33%). The buccal bone wall in relation to the nasopalatine canal was thickest at the anterior nasal spine level and narrowest at the level of the most anterior-inferior point of the buccal cortex of the maxilla. A statistically significant difference was detected between morphology and direction-course of the nasopalatine canal and dental status. In sum, the study of the nasopalatine canal showed multiple variations. Precise knowledge of these variations may help to decrease the incidence of complications during implantology treatment and during facial and dental surgery.

Keywords: Cone-beam computed tomography; Humans; Incisor; Maxilla; Prevalence.