Analysis of Nasopalatine Canal Shape and Dimensions at Hasanuddin University Dental Hospital Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography

Abstract

Objectives: Variations in the shape and dimensions of the nasopalatine canal (NPC) may influence clinical planning and increase the risk of complications such as neurovascular injury, hemorrhage, and implant failure. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) enables accurate three-dimensional visualization of NPC morphology. The present study aimed to analyze differences in NPC shape and size according to age and gender using CBCT.Material and Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study included 259 CBCT scans of patients aged 18–60 years obtained from Hasanuddin University Dental Hospital between 2022 and 2025. NPC morphology was evaluated in sagittal, coronal, and axial planes, while dimensional measurements included canal length, width, and angulation. The measurements were performed using AIS3D software. The statistical analyses included Mann-Whitney U test, t-test, Kruskal–Wallis test, and one-way ANOVA (p < 0.05).Results: The cylindrical configuration was the most common NPC morphology in the sagittal plane, whereas the single canal configuration and round shape predominated in the coronal and axial planes. NPC morphology indicated lack of significant differences according to age or gender (p > 0.05). However, males exhibited significantly greater NPC length than females, whereas NPC angulation was significantly greater in females (p < 0.05). The largest mean NPC length was observed in the 41–50-year age group, with an overall mean length of 10.64 ± 2.34 mm.Conclusion: NPC morphology did not differ by age or gender, and NPC dimensions indicated significant variation.

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