Comparative evaluation of the distance between the apex of the maxillary central incisor and the nasal cavity floor on lateral cephalometric, panoramic and periapical radiographs

Use of dental implants is increasing in the treatment of edentulous patients, necessitating extensive radiographic assessments to evaluate height, width and structure of the bone for placement of implants, which needs several radiographic techniques. This study was designed to evaluate the mean distance between the nasal cavity floor and the apex of maxillary central incisor on lateral cephalometric, panoramic and periapical radiographs. In this random descriptive/analytical study 16 patients referring Afzal Dental Clinic in Isfahan city, who all had taken lateral cephalometric, panoramic and periapical radiographs of maxillary central incisors were included. The distance between the apex of maxillary central incisor and the nasal cavity floor was measured by a caliper. Data was analyzed by SPSS via paired t-test and regression statistical test (α=0.05). According to data analysis, mean distance between the apex of maxillary central incisor and the nasal floor on periapical radiographs had a significant difference with the actual distance (gold standard) measured on lateral cephalometric radiographs (p value < 0.001) and it was less than the actual size. The same measurement achieved on panoramic radiographs and actual distance measured on lateral cephalometry showed a significant difference (p value = 0.017) and it was less than the actual size. Under the limitations of this study, it was concluded that both measurements made on panoramic and periapical radiographs underestimated the nasal cavity floor distance to the apex of maxillary central incisors.