Relation of gubernacular canal and permanent dentition by Nolla stage: Cone-beam computed tomography analysis.

Abstract

Background: The aim of the study was to evaluate an association between the stages of permanent dentition development, based on Nolla stages, and the characteristics of the gubernacular canal (GC), and to investigate the correlation between eruption process failures and the GC.

Material and methods: This observational, cross-sectional, and retrospective study analyzed tomographic scans from 164 patients, encompassing 244 included teeth. The teeth were categorized into ten and three stages according to Nolla stages and were evaluated the position of the GC relative to the dental follicle, the alignment of the GC relative to the tooth and the direction of the GC relative to the bone cortices. The teeth were also classifi ed as: normal impacted, normal non-impacted, delayed impacted, and delayed non-impacted.

Results: Of the total sample, 162 exhibited GC (71.1%). Statistical signifi cance was noted when exploring the association between Nolla stage, categorized into ten and three stages, and the position of GC in relation to the follicle (p=0.023 and p=0.005, respectively). Furthermore, an association was identifi ed between teeth with delayed (Nolla stage equal to or greater than 8) and impacted eruption and the position of GC in relation to the follicle (p=0.004) showing a shifting of the canal's position as the root develops, from the occlusal position to other positions.

Conclusions: The fi ndings of this study suggest that displacement of the GC from its typical occlusal position to other directions may be associated with tooth impaction or delayed eruption and highlight the potential of GC position as an early radiographic marker for eruption disturbances.