Three-dimensional observations of the incisive foramen on cone-beam computed tomography image analysis
Yeon‐Tae Kim, Jae‐Hong Lee, Seong‐Nyum Jeong
Abstract
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to utilize cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) image analysis to obtain anatomical information related to the morphology of the incisive foramen to provide useful data regarding implant placement and clinical procedures such as anesthesia. METHODS: The study included 167 patients who underwent CBCT scans over 20 years. Three components were measured: 1) the anteroposterior and mediolateral diameter of the incisive foramen, 2) the horizontal bone thickness anterior to the incisive foramen, and 3) the vertical bone height coronal to the incisive foramen. All measurements were expressed as mean±standard deviation and were analyzed by a single examiner. RESULTS: <0.001). The same pattern was observed with regard to vertical height, but that difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The buccal bone thickness anterior to the incisive foramen was significantly decreased after central incisor loss. It is necessary to identify the morphology of the bone and the location of the incisive foramen via CBCT to avoid invasion of the incisive foramen and nasopalatine canal.