Trifid nasopalatine canal: case report of a rare anatomical variation

The nasopalatine canal (NPC) is a critical anatomical structure in the premaxilla, housing neurovascular components essential to maxillofacial surgery. While typically presenting as a single or bifurcated canal, rare variations such as a trifid configuration can complicate dental implant placement. This case report describes an incidental finding of a trifid NPC in a 38-year-old male during a pre-implant cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) evaluation. The CBCT revealed 3 distinct canals with symmetrical distribution, visible in axial, coronal, and sagittal views, converging at the incisive foramen without associated pathologies. This rare anatomical variant necessitated adjustments in the surgical plan to minimize risks of nerve injury and ensure implant stability. The case underscores the importance of CBCT in identifying complex NPC morphologies for optimizing surgical outcomes and highlights the need for further research into the prevalence and clinical implications of such variations.