Three-dimensional Assessment of Nasopalatine Canal Using CBCT in A Sample of The Kurdish Population

Background and Objectives: The nasopalatine canal (NPC) is one of the crucial anatomical components of the maxillary arch. The prognosis of dental and surgical operations is determined by the nasopalatine canal location and anatomical variances. This research aimed to investigate the size, shape, and impact of sex and age on the nasopalatine canal in a sample of the Kurdish people employing cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Method: 380 CBCT scans from people aged 20 to 59, of both sexes, were examined retrospectively. The radiographic images were thoroughly examined regarding the nasopalatine canal shape in sagittal, coronal, and axial slices, and anatomical dimensions were assessed in the sagittal plane. All variables were examined in regard to sex and age. Statistical analyses assumed significance at p < 0.05. Results: The funnel shape was most prevalent (27.9%) in the sagittal slice, while the Y canal was most prevalent in the coronal plane (54.5%). The most common direction of the canal was vertically straight in (43.4%). The NPC was 11.4 mm long, whereas the incisive foramen diameter was 4.63 mm. Males displayed larger dimensions in every parameter that was assessed, apart from angle, which was greater in females. The morphology of NPC did not significantly correlate with either sex or age. Conclusion: This study found significant variation of NPC in different planes; gender and age significantly affect most of the dimensional parameters. Based on these findings, we recommend the CBCT evaluation of the anterior maxilla prior to surgical procedures. Keywords: nasopalatine canal, CBCT, anterior maxilla, incisive foramen