Trifid nasopalatine canal: case report of a rare anatomical variation and its surgical implications

Authors

  • Marianna Torres Department of Oral Radiology, School of Dentistry. Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, BA
  • Ludmila de Faro Valverde Gonçalo Moniz Research Center, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Salvador, Bahia
  • Manuela Vidal Gonçalo Moniz Research Center, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Salvador, Bahia
  • Iêda Crusoé-Rebello Department of Oral Radiology, School of Dentistry. Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, BA

Keywords:

Nasopalatine canal, anatomical variation, computed tomography, dental implant.

Abstract

Introduction: the nasopalatine canal is a long slender structure present in the midline of the anterior maxilla that connects the palate to the floor of the nasal cavity. The nasopalatine canal contains the nasopalatine nerve, the terminal branch of the nasopalatine artery, fibrous connective tissue, adipose tissue, and minor salivary glands.

Objective: the purpose of this article was to report a case of a trifid nasopalatine canal detected by cone beam computed tomography prior to dental implant placement.

Case report: a 47-year-old female patient was submitted to cone beam computed tomography. Axial and sagittal sections revealed a trifurcation of the nasopalatine canal. Each canal was separated from the other by bony septa and extended independently from the floor of the nasal cavity to the incisive foramen in the remnant of the alveolar process in the anterior region of the maxilla. Cone beam computed tomography has permitted better visualization of the details and anatomical variations of the nasopalatine canal.

Conclusion: detailed knowledge of variations in the shape, number and size of the nasopalatine canal is fundamental for surgical procedures, such as local anesthesia in the anterior maxillary region and placement of dental implants, in order to prevent damage to important arteries and nerves.

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Published

2016-06-05

How to Cite

1.
Torres M, Valverde L de F, Vidal M, Crusoé-Rebello I. Trifid nasopalatine canal: case report of a rare anatomical variation and its surgical implications. Rev Cubana Estomatol [Internet]. 2016 Jun. 5 [cited 2025 Feb. 8];53(2):67-70. Available from: https://revestomatologia.sld.cu/index.php/est/article/view/755

Issue

Vol. 53 No. 2 (2016): APR- JUN

Section

Case Report

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