Examination of canalis sinuosus using cone beam computed tomography in an Australian population

Canalis sinuosus (CS) and its relationship with adjacent teeth is relevant for surgery in the anterior maxilla. Therefore, the aim of this study was to report the prevalence, characteristics and variations of CS.

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of the anterior maxilla of 201 patients were reviewed. CS and the adjacent teeth were analysed by age, gender and scan resolution, using analysis of variance, Chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests. The widest and narrowest diameters of CS, and distance to tooth apex (DTA), were compared by quadrant, closest tooth and location, and the associations were examined statistically with P < 0.05.

In the 201 scans, 412 CS were identified in 198 patients associated with 395 different teeth. Mean widest diameter was 1.08 ± 0.39 mm (range: 0.42-2.60 mm), while the narrowest diameter was 0.71 ± 0.26 mm (range: 0.25-1.59 mm); and mean DTA of 2.16 ± 1.25 mm (range: 0-6.22 mm). CS detection was significantly lower with CBCT taken at resolution size of 0.250 voxels (P = 0.02).

CS was very common in the anterior maxilla. Clinicians would be well advised to identify this anatomical structure using CBCT before undertaking any surgery in the anterior maxilla. © 2022 Australian Dental Association.