Evaluation of Morphological Variations of the Nasopalatine Canal Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)

Introduction: The nasopalatine canal (NPC), also referred to as the incisive canal, is an important anatomical structure located in the anterior maxilla. It transmits the nasopalatine nerve along with terminal branches of the sphenopalatine artery. The morphology of the NPC shows considerable inter individual variation in terms of its shape, length, angulation, and diameter. Accurate assessment of these variations is crucial during treatment planning for various oral surgical procedures, including dental implant placement, endodontic treatment, and orthognathic surgeries. Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), with its high spatial resolution, multiplanar imaging capability, and relatively low radiation dose, has emerged as the preferred imaging modality for detailed evaluation of the nasopalatine canal.

Aim and Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate the morphometric variations of the nasopalatine canal using Cone Beam Computed Tomography.

Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted using CBCT scans of 56 patients obtained from the Department of Oral Medicine. A total of 60 CBCT images were analyzed. The study population included patients aged between 18 and 55 years, comprising 32 males and 24 females. The parameters assessed included the diameter of the foramen nasalis and foramen incisivum, the shape of the nasopalatine canal in the sagittal plane, and the length of the nasopalatine canal.

Results: The most commonly observed morphology of the nasopalatine canal in the sagittal section was cylindrical in shape. The mean length of the nasopalatine canal was found to be 15.21 ± 3.22 mm. The mean diameters of the foramen nasalis and foramen incisivum were 3.59 ± 1.15 mm and 6.57 ± 2.16 mm, respectively.

Conclusion: CBCT provides a reliable and precise method for evaluating the morphological and morphometric variations of the nasopalatine canal. Awareness of these variations is essential for clinicians to minimize surgical complications and ensure safe and effective treatment planning in the anterior maxillary region.