Assessment of bone channels other than the nasopalatine canal in the anterior maxilla using limited cone beam computed tomography

Purpose

The anterior maxilla, sometimes also called premaxilla, is an area frequently requiring surgical interventions. The objective of this observational study was to identify and assess accessory bone channels other than the nasopalatine canal in the anterior maxilla using limited cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Methods

A total of 176 cases fulfilled the inclusion criteria comprising region of interest, quality of CBCT image, and absence of pathologic lesions or retained teeth. Any bone canal with a minimum diameter of 1.00 mm other than the nasopalatine canal was analyzed regarding size, location, and course, as well as patient gender and age.

Results

A total of 67 accessory canals ≥1.00 mm were found in 49 patients (27.8 %). A higher frequency of accessory canals was observed in males (33.0 %) than in females (22.7 %) (p = 0.130). Accessory canals occurred more frequently in older rather than younger patients (p = 0.115). The mean diameter of accessory canals was 1.31 ± 0.26 mm (range 1.01–2.13 mm). Gender and age did not significantly influence the diameter. Accessory canals were found palatal to all anterior teeth, but most frequently palatal to the central incisors. In 56.7 %, the accessory canals curved superolaterally and communicated with the ipsilateral alveolar extension of the canalis sinuosus.

Conclusions

The study confirms the presence of bone channels within the anterior maxilla other than the nasopalatine canal. More than half of these accessory bone canals communicated with the canalis sinuosus. From a clinical perspective, studies are needed to determine the content of these accessory canals.