INCISIVE CANAL AND ITS PROPINQUITY TO MAXILLARY CENTRAL INCISORS IN VARIOUS SAGITTAL GROWTH PATTERNS: A CBCT STUDY

Aim: To evaluate and compare the position of the incisive canal to maxillary central incisors root using CBCT among subjects with different sagittal growth patterns.

Materials and Method: Seventy subjects with ages ranging from 18 to 45 years were divided into three sagittal Skeletal malocclusion groups. 6 linear variables were measured from the CBCT images obtained from the Carestream CS 9300C 3D system which included 3 transverse and 3 anteroposterior measurements. All measurements were carried out at three different vertical levels, the palatal opening of the incisive canal (L1), mid-level (L2), and root apex of the maxillary central incisors (L3). The digitization and measurements were carried out using Trophy Dicom CS 3D software.

Results: Greatest incisive canal width (Cl-Cl) was seen in Skeletal Class III malocclusion and smallest in Class II malocclusion. Skeletal Class III malocclusion showed significantly smaller inter-root distance than Class I and Class II. In Class I malocclusion, the average anteroposterior distance between incisive canal and maxillary central incisor roots was approximately 4-5mm, 2-4mm in Class II, and 3-4mm in Class III malocclusion.

Conclusion: The incisive canal and its association to the roots of the maxillary incisors are affected by the various sagittal skeletal malocclusions. In order to minimise difficulties while contemplating a substantial amount of retraction, 3D assessment may be helpful.