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Objective: To evaluate and determine the anatomical and dimensional variations of the nasopalatine canal (NPC) according to sex, age and dental status. Methods: This observational cross-sectional study analyzed a total of 251 CBCT images obtained from the database from the Oral and Maxillofacial Imaging Service of the School of Dentistry of Universidad Andres Bello, Viña del Mar, Chile. Student-t test, chi-square test and ANOVA (p<0.05) were performed to evaluate statistical significance according to sex, age and dental status. This study was approved by the Research and Ethics Committee of the School of Dentistry of Andres Bello University. Results: The NPC showed variability in terms of morphology and dimensions. The most predominant shape of the NPC was cylindrical (65.33%) and the most frequent shape of the curvature of the canal in a sagittal plane was straight inclined (54.98%). The mean length was of 10.92±2.82 mm, being greater in males than females (p<0.01). The most frequent anatomical variation in the coronal plane was the single canal type (57.76%). The effect of gender on the distance between the anterior wall of the NPC and the vestibular crest of the maxilla was not significant (p<0.05). In addition, a significant difference was detected between the dental status and the dimension of the vestibular table in relation to the CNP (p<0.01). Conclusion: The use of CBCT revealed the importance of 3D imaging in terms of morpho-dimensional parameters. NCP variations should be considered to avoid possible complications during surgical procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the morphology of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in skeletal class II malocclusions (CIIM) and class III malocclusions (CIIIM) using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods: A total of 76 mandibular condyles, obtained from 38 CBCT images were analyzed and measured retrospectively. The following measures of TMJ were evaluated: condyle shape in sagittal and coronal planes; horizontal condylar angle (HCA); condylar length; condylar cortical thickness; condylar trabecular bone mineral density; inclination and length of the mandibular fossa. Descriptive statistics were applied to all measurements. Differences between CIIM and CIIIM groups were statistically analyzed by independent t-tests. This study was approved by the Research and Ethics Committee of the School of Dentistry of Andres Bello University. Results: In CIIIM group, the most common condylar shape was convex (43.75%) followed by round (41.65%), while in the CIIM group the most common condylar shape was convex (40,01%) followed by flat (38.45%). The CIIIM group showed larger values for HCA (p<0.05) and condylar length in the sagittal plane (p<0.005). The CIIM group showed higher trabecular bone mineral density of the right condyle and inclination of the left mandibular fossa compared to the CIIIM group (p<0.005). Differences in condylar cortical thickness, length of the mandibular fossa were not significantly different between CIIM and CIIIM (p>0.05). Conclusion: There are differences in the TMJ morphology between CIIM and CIIIM. These results might be useful for diagnosis and treatment planning of different skeletal patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]