Morphometric and Morphological Variations of the Nasopalatine Canal and Their Relationship with Demographic Data

Background: A range of surgical procedures may be undertaken in the premaxilla, including implant surgery, tooth extraction (including impacted and supernumerary teeth). The nasopalatine canal (NPC) is the most prominent anatomical formation in the premaxilla. The structure contains anatomic structures, such as nasopalatine nerve and the descending nasopalatine artery. Contact between the implant and surrounding nerve tissue may result in failure of osseointegration and damage to nerves. The objective of this study was to evaluate the morphology and morphometric features of NPC using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images and to examine the relationship between these features and demographic variables. Methods: A total of 293 patients, ranging in age from 18 to 74 years with a mean age of 40.15 years, underwent examination of the nasopalatine canal. Intraobserver correlation coefficient, descriptive, Pearson Chi-Square, Independent t test and One-Way ANOVA tests used to analyze obtained data. Results: The most prevalent variations observed in the axial, coronal, and sagittal sections were the one Stenson foramen, single canal, and funnel-type NPC, respectively. These variations exhibited no statistically significant correlation with demographic data. However, a statistically significant relationship was identified between the demographic data and the morphometric measurements of NPC. Conclusions: This study, which investigates a restricted Turkish demographic, highlights that NPC displays a notable spectrum of morphological and morphometric diversities. It is recommended that a three-dimensional assessment of the NPC be conducted in order to prevent complications prior to any surgical procedures in the anterior maxilla, such as local anesthesia and implant surgery. Keywords: Cone-Beam Computed Tomography, Dental Implant, Palatine Bone, Non-Odontogenic Cyst