Imaging Sci Dent.  2017 Jun;47(2):69-74. 10.5624/isd.2017.47.2.69.

Evaluation of the morphology of the canalis sinuosus using cone-beam computed tomography in patients with maxillary impacted canines

• Gurler G
• Delilbasi
• Ogut EE
• Aydin K
• Sakul U

• KMID: 2389886
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5624/isd.2017.47.2.69

Abstract

PURPOSE
The nasopalatine canal is a well-known, important anatomical structure in the anterior maxilla, but this region contains many accessory canals. The canalis sinuosus (CS) is one of these canals; it contains the anterior superior alveolar nerve, along with veins and arteries. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the CS using conebeam computed tomography (CBCT) in patients with maxillary impacted canines.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A total of 111 patients admitted to the Istanbul Medipol University School of Dentistry for the exposure, orthodontic treatment, and/or extraction of an impacted canine were included in this study. CBCT images were obtained for these patients under standard conditions. Axial, coronal, and sagittal sections were evaluated to assess the prevalence of CS, the direction and diameter of the canal, its relation with the impacted canine, and its distance from the alveolar crest. Further, possible correlations with patient gender and age were analyzed.
RESULTS
The CS could be detected bilaterally in all the evaluated tomography images. The mean canal diameter was significantly larger in males than in females (P=.001). The CS ran significantly closer to the impacted canine when the canal was located horizontally (P=.03). Variations of the canal, such as accessory canals, were identified in 6 patients.
CONCLUSION
CS is an anatomical entity that may resemble periapical lesions and other anatomical structures. Evaluation with CBCT prior to surgical procedures in the anterior maxilla will help to prevent overlooking such anatomical structures and to decrease possible surgical complications.

Keyword

Anatomy; Cuspid; Tooth, Impacted; Complications

MeSH Terms

Arteries
Cone-Beam Computed Tomography*
Cuspid
Dentistry
Female
Humans
Male
Maxilla
Maxillary Nerve
Prevalence
Tooth, Impacted
Veins

Figure

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  Fig. 1 The distance between the terminal portion of the canalis sinuosus (CS) and the region of the buccal alveolar ridge is measured on the sagittal plane.

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  Fig. 2 The terminal portion of the CS merges superiorly with the nasopalatine canal.

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  Fig. 3 Accessory bony canals run downward towards the alveolar ridge.

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