Evaluation of the position and dimensions of nasopalatine canal in Cone-Beam CT images of patients referred to Radiology Department of Tabriz Dental Faculty in 2011

Abstract

A close anatomic relationship between the incisive canal and roots of central maxillary incisors should be considered during dental implant treatment in the anterior region of maxilla. Due to importance of determination of nasopalatine canal region and characteristics in the implant surgeries, the aim of this study is to analyze the position and dimensions of nasopalatine canal in Cone-Beam CT images of patients referred to Radiology Department of Tabriz Dental Faculty in 2011. Materials & Methods: CBCT images of 76 patients were evaluated in this study. The following inclusion criteria was used: both maxillary central incisors were present; and absence of radiographic pathology associated with nasopalatine canal. The diameter of canal in 3 points (incisive foramen, nasal foramen and middle of canal) and length of it were measured and distance of canal from maxillary central incisor root in 3 points(incisive foramen, root apex and mid root of central incisors) were recorded by two expert radiologists. Results: The nasopalatine canal showed a large variability in position and dimensions. Results showed that the mean length of the nasopalatine canal in males was greater than females and this difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Gender of the included patients had a statistically significant influence on the canal diameter in the middle of the incisive canal, the mean values being generally higher for male subjects (P < 0.05), but the mean canal diameter in the nasal and incisive foramens and the mean distance from maxillary central incisor root had no significant difference between males and females (P > 0.05). The age of the patients had no significant influence on the evaluated parameters (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Although variations exists in every patient, the findings of this study suggest that gender is important factor that can effect incisive canal dimensions. So clinicians should provide a careful analysis using CBCT images before performing dental implant surgeries in premaxillary region