Abstract
Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional. Objective: To determine the morphology and morphometry of the nasopalatine canal (NPC) and incisive foramen (IF) in an African population. Methods: Measurements of the NPC and the IF were carried out on 150 Cone-Beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. The maxillary bone thickness anterior to the NPC was measured at 3 levels. Independent t-test and Chi-square test were performed to determine the presence of sexual dimorphism. Results: The presence of one Stenson's foramen was most prevalent. The mean length of NPC was 13.21 ± 3.25mm with significantly longer canals in males. The most prevalent shape of NPC was cylindrical in sagittal view and a single canal in coronal view. The mean angulation of NPC was 118.42° to the horizontal plane. The average dimensions of the IF were 3.53mm and 3.07mm in the anteroposterior and mediolateral diameter, respectively, while the most common shape was round. The anterior maxillary bone was thicker in males and generally reduced in thickness from the anterior nasal spine superiorly towards the alveolar crest inferiorly. Conclusion: This study highlights the anatomical characteristics of the NPC and IF, with significant sexual dimorphism observed regarding the number of Stenson's foramina, length of NPC, shapes of the NPC and IF, as well as alveolar bone thickness anterior to NPC.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
