Evaluation of canalis sinuosus and accessory canal morphology by cone-beam computed tomography

To evaluate canalis sinuosus (CS) and accessory canalis sinuosus (AC) morphology and their relationship with the impacted canine on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images.

The diameter and location of the CS, its distance from the nasal cavity (NC-CS), its distance from the buccal cortical plate (BC-CS), and its distance from the alveolar ridge crest (AR-CS) were evaluated on 1000 CBCT scans. The prevalence and termination of AC and the presence of impacted canines were also evaluated.

CS was detected in 89 (8.9%) of 1000 CBCTs. The mean CS diameter was found as 1.34 ± 0.53 mm. No statistically significant difference was found between gender, age, direction, and CS presence and diameter. CS was most frequently seen in regions 11 (23.6%) and 13 (23.6%). The average NC-CS, BC-CS, and AR-CS length was 6.14, 6.06 and 4.35 mm, respectively. AC was detected in 22 patients (24.71%). There was no statistically significant difference between the presence of AC and gender, age, CS diameter, NC-CS, BC-CS, and AR-CS distance. BC-CS length and AR-CS length were statistically significantly higher in patients with impacted canines.

It should be kept in mind that the CS diameter, NC-CS, BC-CS, and AR-CS distance may increase in the presence of an impacted canine and the integrity of the neurovascular structure should be preserved. The fact that the CS is often localized in the palatial region requires a detailed evaluation of the anterior maxillary region with three-dimensional imaging methods.