Morphometric Comparison of the Nasopalatine Canal in Older Adults with Anterior Edentulism vs Young Adults: A Comparative Cone-beam Computed Tomography Study.

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to compare the morphometric characteristics of the nasopalatine canal (NPC) between older adults with anterior edentulism and young adults with natural dentition, utilizing cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) for assessment.

Materials and methods: A retrospective, comparative cross-sectional study was conducted involving 66 CBCT volumes: 32 from individuals with anterior edentulism and 34 from individuals with complete dentition. All tomographic scans were obtained following standardized exposure parameters and individual positioning protocols. The variables evaluated included the height, width, and angulation of the NPC. A trained and calibrated examiner performed all measurements using specialized imaging software under the supervision of an experienced oral and maxillofacial radiologist. The CBCT scans were acquired using a tomographic unit calibrated according to the manufacturer's quality control protocols, ensuring accurate and reliable measurements. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS software, employing Student's t-test and multiple linear regression, with a significance level set at p < 0.05.

Results: A comparative analysis revealed that the NPC height was significantly greater in the dentate group (11.56 ± 1.82 mm) compared to the edentulous group (10.11 ± 3.28 mm) (p = 0.029). Conversely, the canal width was significantly larger in the edentulous group (3.28 ± 1.21 mm) than in the dentate group (2.68 ± 0.72 mm) (p = 0.017). There were no statistically significant differences in the angulation of the NPC between the two groups (p = 0.182). Additionally, sex was the only variable that significantly affected the NPC height; males exhibited an increase of 0.27 mm compared to females (95% CI: 0.18-0.85 mm; p = 0.027).

Conclusions: Tooth loss significantly influences the morphometric dimensions of the NPC. Specifically, a reduction in canal height and an increase in canal width were observed in edentulous patients. These morphometric changes should be carefully considered during preoperative assessment and implant planning in the anterior maxillary region.

Clinical significance: This understanding of the morphometric features of the NPC in edentulous patients is essential for enhancing surgical planning and reducing the likelihood of intraoperative and postoperative complications, including hemorrhage, neurosensory changes, and failures in implant osseointegration.