Journal of Isfahan Medical School

Journal of Isfahan Medical School

Examining the morphological variations of the nasopalatine canal using CBCT cone beam computed tomography images

Document Type : Original Article(s)

Authors
Mahshid Razavi 1
Saeed Shirafkan 2
Shabnam Moallemian 3
Nila Bagheri 4
1 Assistant Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
3 PhD of Dentistry, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
4 Postgraduate Student, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
10.48305/jims.v44.i855.0403
Abstract
Background: The nasopalatine canal (NPC), due to its proximity to anterior teeth and vital neurovascular structures, plays a critical role in dental and maxillofacial surgeries, yet its morphological variations across populations are understudied. Understanding these variations can prevent surgical complications such as bleeding or nerve damage and enhance implantology outcomes. This study investigates NPC morphological variations using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 150 CBCT images (72 males, 48%; 78 females, 52%) aged 16–81 years were retrieved from a radiology clinic archive in Ahvaz. Images were acquired using a NewTom Giano device (slice thickness 0.3 mm, field of view 8×11 cm). Using NewTom Giano NNT Viewer software, axial and sagittal sections with high resolution and integrity were selected. Axial cuts were chosen at the incisive fossa (for medio-lateral and anterior-posterior diameters of the incisive foramen) and nasal foramina (for nasal diameter), while sagittal cuts were selected at the canal midline (for canal shape and length) ensuring clear bone margins and no artifacts. Canal shape (cylindrical, funnel, hourglass, banana) and length from incisive fossa to nasal foramina were assessed. Data were analyzed using Shapiro-Wilk, independent t-test or Mann-Whitney, ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis, and chi-square tests in SPSS version 22 (p<0.05).
Results: The medio-lateral diameter of the incisive foramen showed no significant gender difference (males: 3.48±1.00 mm; females: 3.39±1.11 mm; p=0.292). Similarlyrical (35.2%), with no significant association with gender or age (p>0.05). Age-related change

Highlights

Mahshid Razavi: Google Scholar

Saeed Shirafkan: Google Scholar

Shabnam Moallemian: Google Scholar

Keywords
Nasopalatine Canal
Cone Beam Computed Tomography
Morphology
Anatomy
Subjects
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Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 44, Issue 855
3rd Week,May
May and June 2026
Pages 403-411

  • Receive Date 11 June 2026
  • Accept Date 27 June 2026