Abstract
Objective: Development and validation (using open source software) of a method for volumetric and linear assessment of the nasopalatine channel (NPC) using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and methods: This was an observational, cross-sectional study of 276 CBCTs. Acquisition was performed on a Prexion 3D computerized tomography scanner (manufacturer), using voxels of 0.08 mm and 0.14 mm, (with FOV at 5 and 12 cm). The images were compiled and divided in accordance with gender and the dental condition of the maxilla. Evaluation took place on a MacBook Pro computer using the Horos Project program (Version 3.3.5). Linear measurements and NPC volumetric evaluations were performed after correcting the orientation axes (sagittal and axial). The length and ROI volume tools were used. Results: The average age for men was 60.15 ± 11.94, for women it was 59.95 ± 10.63. Respectively, for men and women, the average NPC volume values were: 68.59 mm3 and 59.37 mm3 (p = 0.032), for length they were 10.08 mm and 8.84 mm (p = 0.000). Of the dentate participants, the NPC averages for volume for men and women were: 71.01 mm3 and 57.18 mm3 (p = 0.007), for length they were 10.26 mm and 9.14 mm (p = 0.001). In the edentulous, the average NPC lengths were 9.79 mm (men) and 8.37 mm (women) (p = 0.005). Conclusion: For linear and volumetric nasopalatine channel assessment, the post-processing method used in the Horos software was considered precise and easy-to-use.
Highlights
The routine of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in dentistry has allowed Dental Surgeons to improve their exam imaging, to ensure a detailed view of underlying structural relationships
No significant associations were found between the nasopalatine channel (NPC) linear measurements and age, and between NPC volume and age (Table 2)
It was observed that the male participants presented higher averages than female participants for the following variables: NPC volume, incisor foramen (IF) diameter and NPC length
Summary
The routine of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in dentistry has allowed Dental Surgeons to improve their exam imaging, to ensure a detailed view of underlying structural relationships. The Nasopalatine Canal (NPC) identified as Incisor Canal (IC) is part of the forward region of the maxilla, and it is located in the midline of the palate, establishing a bone. Conducting nasopalatine nerves, arteries and vessels, the NPC is one of the most important anatomical structures in the antero-maxillary region. Since the anterior region of the maxilla is more vulnerable to both trauma and tooth loss, knowledge concerning its morphology, dimensions and development of NPC is needed (Sekerci et al, 2014). Though there are few studies analyzing its structure in relations of volumetric measurements, variations in NPC volume in relation to morphology are becoming more evident (Acar & Kamburoğlu, 2015). The objective of the current study was development and validation of a linear - volumetric NPC evaluation method using CBCT in open source software
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