The Connection Between Canine Fossa Topography and Facial Morphology

Objectives: This study investigates the canine fossa (CF) topography relative to the maxillary sinus and nasal fossa and examines its association with facial types, focusing on side and gender. Methods: One hundred CBCT scans were analysed bilaterally at the first (PM1) and second (PM2) premolar levels. The CF was classified according to its anatomical relationship with adjacent structures: type 1, where the CF lies predominantly lateral to the maxillary sinus; type 2, where it is lateral to the nasal fossa; and type 3, where the CF is positioned lateral to the nasal fossa inferiorly and to the maxillary sinus superiorly. Facial measurements (height and width) were used to calculate the facial index, classifying individuals into five facial types: hypereuroprosopic, euryprosopic, mesoprosopic, leptoprosopic, and hyperleptoprosopic. A statistical analysis assessed the correlation between CF types and facial morphology. Results: Types 1 and 3 were the most prevalent CF types, while type 2 was observed only at the PM1 site. The PM2 level showed a predominance of type 1, indicating a consistent anatomical association of the CF with the maxillary sinus. In contrast, the PM1 level demonstrated a higher prevalence of type 3, reflecting the presence of the CF in the walls of both the nasal fossa and maxillary sinus. Leptoprosopic facial type was strongly associated with type 3, while no significant associations of CF types were found for other facial types. The sample lacked hypereuroprosopic individuals (facial index < 79.9), while hyperleptoprosopic faces (facial index > 95) were present in 23% of cases. Conclusions: The CF topography varies significantly by premolar site and is influenced by facial proportions. Type-3 CFs correlate strongly with elongated (leptoprosopic) facial configurations; broader facial types were underrepresented in this sample.