Cone beam computed tomographic-Based retrospective study on newark population for the assessment of distance between incisive canal and maxillary central incisors: Clinical implications

To calculate the relative distance between the incisive canal and maxillary central incisors using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and utilize the results in treatment planning in a clinical setting.

A retrospective study was conducted on CBCT taken for other purposes in the Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Department. All the quantitative measurements were performed between the incisive canal and both maxillary central incisors using CBCT on 61 subjects. The anterior-posterior measurements were taken on both sides and the average of both values was considered for the statistical analysis. All the linear measurements were performed on the axial plane at three different vertical reference points located on the sagittal plane.

The interexaminer reliability was tested by interclass correlation coefficient using two-way mixed and absolute agreement model. The comparison of linear measurement among each level was done by "Repeated measure ANOVA" and contrast method was used for pair-wise comparison when repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) was significant.

The average anterior-posterior distance between the maxillary central incisor roots and the incisive canal measured was approximately 5-6 mm. The incisive canal width increases from the root apex level of maxillary central incisors (P3) to the oral opening level of the incisive canal (P1).

The results of our study could be helpful in a clinical setting requires significant retraction of maxillary incisors or implant placement in maxillary anterior region.