Evaluation Of Nasopalatine Canal Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography – A Retrospective Study

ABSTRACT

Background:Implantology is a very significant branch of dentistry that deals with the rehabilitation of edentulous patients. Thus, knowledge of anatomical variations of related neurovascular structures such as the nasopalatine canal is essential. Aim:The aim of study was to determine the form, length, and diameter of the nasopalatine canal using CBCT. Materials and Methods:In this retrospective study, images were archived from CBCTunit and visualized using Romexis software. The nasopalatine canals of 50 patients between the age range of 18-59years were analyzed. The shape of the nasopalatine canal, length of the nasopalatine canal and the diameter of incisive foramen were assessed in sagittal and coronal section. The width of labial and palatal alveolar bone around the canal and inclination of the nasopalatine canal to hard palate were evaluated. Statistics (1) if there is any relation between the gender and the assessed parameters (2) if there is any relation between edentulous and partially edentulous patients with the assessed parameters.Results:The most common shape of the nasopalatine canal was cylindrical. The average length of the nasopalatine canal was 12.14±2.41 mm and the average diameter of incisive foramen 3.45±0.84 mm anteroposteriorly and 3.77±0.94mm mediolaterally. The average inclination of the nasopalatine canal to hard palate was 119.93±9.73°Conclusion:This study highlights the variations seen in the nasopalatine canal. The close vicinity of nasopalatine canal and implant can lead to sensory disturbances and damage of the tissues. Thus, a thorough knowledge before the surgical - implant procedure using cone beam computed tomography seems beneficial.