A case of canalis sinuosus mimicking internal root resorption in periapical radiographs

The canalis sinuosus is the terminal anatomy transport¬ing the anterior superior alveolar neurovascular bundle from the infraorbital canal to the anterior maxilla. Due to its termination in the anterior maxilla and potential diameter of 2.0 mm or greater, it has been previously reported to mimic a periapical radiolucency on 2-dimensional radiographs. This case report highlights incidental findings in a 25-year-old man following trauma to the anterior maxilla. During 2-dimensional radiographic assessment, a well-defined radiolucency suggestive of internal resorption was identified at the junction of the middle and apical thirds of the root of the maxillary left lateral incisor. Assessment via cone beam computed tomography identified the radiolucency as the canalis sinuosus. This case highlights the importance of 3-dimensional assessment of confounding findings in the anterior maxilla.