Evaluation of Changes in Nasopalatine Canal Morphology According To Dentition Status by Computed Tomography

Abstract

Objective: The nasopalatine canal (NPC) is one of the important anatomic structures in anterior maxilla. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in NPC morphology according to dentition status in the maxillary anterior region by computed tomography (CT). Methods: Computed tomography images of 100 patients were screened retrospectively. Images were divided into two groups by dental status: an edentulous group (EG) of 50 patients who have edentulous premaxilla and a control group (CG) of 50 patients who have all incisor teeth in the premaxillary region. After recording the age, sex, and dentition status of the patients, the NPC diameter, NPC length, incisive foramen (IF) diameter, and angle between the NPC and palatine bone were measured in sagittal sections, and the number of NPCs was determined in axial sections. Results: There was no significant difference between NPC angle and dentition status (p=0.151). The NPC diameter was significantly higher in the EG (p=0.002), as was the IF diameter (p=0.041). In addition, NPC length was significantly higher in the CG (p<0.001). A statistically significant and negative correlation was found between age and NPC length (p<0.001), and a positive correlation was found between age and NPC diameter (p=0.004). In addition, no statistically significant difference was found between sex and other parameters (p>0.05). Conclusion: The NPC length and diameter vary according to the age and dentition status of the patient. Changes in this anatomic structure should be evaluated pre-operatively in elderly patients by three-dimensional radiographic evaluation.