Anatomical and dimensional evaluation of the incisive canal in brazilians using cone-beam computed tomography

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the dimensions of the incisive canal (IC) and incisive foramen (IF) in dentate and maxillary anterior edentulous (MAE) individuals using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods: This retrospective, cross-sectional study analyzed dentate and MAE individuals aged ≥ 50 years of both sexes. Using CBCT, we measured the buccal-palatal (BPW) and mesial-distal (MDW) widths of the IF and the length of the buccal cortical (BC) and palatal cortical (PC) bones and the angulation (A) of the IC in relation to the nasal floor. Results: 151 CBCT were analyzed, of which 74 were MAE and 77 dentate with a mean age of 63.3 ± 7.9 and 61.4 ± 9.3, respectively. Compared to the dentate group, the MAE group showed higher MDW of the IF (p = 0.034) and, in the IC, lower BC (p = 0.000), PC (p = 0.006), and A (p = 0.000). In the MAE individuals, the PC was higher in men when compared to women (p = 0.030). Conclusion: IC dimensions were smaller, MDW of the IF was greater in Brazilian MAE, and the PC was greater in male MAE, highlighting the importance of CBCT in planning, in the absence of maxillary anterior teeth.