Frequency of Canalis Sinuosus Canal in the Anterior Region of the Maxilla by CBCT Radiography in Patients Referred to a Private Radiology Center in the Last 2 Years in Yazd City

Canalis Sinuosus (CS) is a bony canal in the upper jaw.  This canal has branches towards the anterior ridge and the teeth, which can be exposed to damage during dental procedures such as implants, resulting in paranesthesia. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of CS in the anterior region of the maxilla by CBCT radiography in a private radiology center in Yazd City in the last 2 years, to familiarize dentists with this anatomical variety and prevent complications.

In this cross-sectional study, 218 CBCT images were selected. Images are related to the patients in the age range of 24 to 80 years. Axial, coronal and sagittal sections are reconstructed by an oral and maxillofacial radiologist. The images reviewed by two radiologists. Then, age, sex, frequency, location of the canal ending, bilateral or unilateral, sub-branches and the location of the canal in the vertical and anteroposterior dimension were checked. The results were investigated by SPSS version 16 software with Chi squared and T-test statistical tests.

The reviewed images belonged to 112 (51.4%) women and 106 (48.6%) men. The frequency of CS was 96.3%. The most frequency was found in women in the age of 24-44 years (62.8%). The 95.4% was reported bilaterally. In the examination of the Accessory canals, they were not seen in 141 people (64.7%). The accessory canal (AC) was reported more frequent between central and lateral incisor. In this study, using the Chi-Square test, there was no statistically significant relationship between the presence of CS and age (P=0.188) and gender (P=0.162).

Due to the high frequency of CS and its branches in the anterior region of the maxilla, in order to avoid unwanted consequences during surgery, the desired area should be examined.