Microsurgical Anatomy of the Incisive Canals

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Summary: Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the structure of the incisive canal using dry maxillae harvested from human cadavers.

Methods: Seven dry maxillae were harvested from adult Caucasian human cadavers. The incisive canals in all specimens were observed from an intraoral viewpoint with the naked eye and under a surgical microscope with 20× magnification.

Results: All specimens had a single incisive foramen leading to different numbers of canals. Two specimens had a single canal (Type I), two were double (Type II), and three had triple canals (Type III). In both type I specimens, the canal was centered in the incisive foramen. Type II had a septum between the two canals. This septum was irregular in shape near the entrance of the canal but smooth inside the canal. The canals were positioned asymmetrically within the foramen. Type III had two septa between the three canals. Again, those located near the entrance of the canal were irregular while those inside the canal were smooth. The orientation of the lumina differed from one another in the type III canals.

Conclusion: The study identified morphological variations in the anatomy of the incisive canal, underscoring the importance of pre-surgical planning in the administration of local anesthesia, placement of dental implants, or removal of impacted teeth in the anterior maxillary region.