title: Three-dimensional study of nasopalatine canal morphology: a descriptive retrospective analysis using cone-beam computed tomography.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  For dental implant treatment planning and placement, a precise anatomic description of the nasopalatine canal (NC) is necessary. This descriptive retrospective study evaluated dimensions of the NC and buccal bone plate (BBP) and the tridimensional association of the anatomic variants of NC, using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).
  
  
  METHODS
  This study included 230 CBCTs. Sagittal slices were used for measurements of the NC and BBP and to evaluate shape and direction-course of the NC. Coronal slices were used to assess NC shape and axial slices to assess number of incisive foramina and foramina of Stenson.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mean NC length was 12.34 ± 2.79 mm, statistically significant differences were detected between genders (p < 0.001). Mean BBP length was 20.87 ± 3.68 mm, statistically significant differences were found for the dental status (p < 0.001) and mean BBP width was 6.83 ± 1.28 mm, significant differences were detected between genders (p < 0.001). Mean nasopalatine angle was 73.33° ± 8.11°, significant differences were found in sagittal and coronal classifications. The most prevalent canal was: cylindrical sagittal shape (48.2 %); slanted-straight direction-course (57.6 %); Ya-type coronal shape (42.4 %); and one foramen incisive with two Stenson's foramina (1-2) (50.9 %). Sagittal shape was associated with sagittal direction-course (p < 0.001). Coronal shape was associated with axial classification (p < 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The NC anatomy is highly variable. Gender is related to the NC length and BBP width, while dental status is related to BBP length. There was an association between the different sagittal classifications of the NC and between the coronal shape and axial classification.
authors.affiliation: Department of Stomatology, Medicine and Dentistry School, University of Santiago de Compostela, C/Entrerrios S/N, 15872, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Fernández-Alonso
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Suárez-Quintanilla
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Muinelo-Lorenzo
authors.forename: M M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Bornstein
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Blanco-Carrión
authors.forename: M M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Suárez-Cunqueiro
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D059925:Anatomic Landmarks; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008297:Male; D008437:Maxilla / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009666:Nose / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D010159:Palate / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012737:Sex Factors; D055815:Young Adult
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