Abstract:

Background: The implants with increasing dental implant placement of missing teeth haves already paid attention for its success and popularity of this treatment. However, dental implant placement in the anterior maxilla region in terms of anatomic and beauty is limited.  One of the main factor is structure limitations in incisive foramen area. Objective: This study aim to evaluate the position of the incisive foramen by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and its relation to dental implant placement of incisor teeth. Methods: This case-series study consisted of 64 women and 36 men. CBCT images for edentulous anterior maxilla were conducted by using limited field of view (FOV) of 4*5. Reformatted sagittal and coronal slices were analyzed for dimensions of the incisive foramen, the incisive canal, and buccal bone wall. There were 9 parameters measured regarding to incisive foramen including the incisive canal length and buccal bone width (millimeters, [mm]). Results: The mean length of the incisive canal was 7.905±2.201 mm, width of incisive foramen (coronal view) 3.094±0.922 mm and 2.818±0.828 mm (sagittal view). The mean volume and length of incisive canal were greater and significant (p<0.001) in men than women. However, the mean width of incisive foramen, Stensen foramen, and incisive foramen distances to alveolar bone crest were greater and significant (p=0.001) in women than men. Conclusion: The width of incisive foramen in 58% edentulous patients was more than 2.5 mm. In such cases, authors recommend replacing lateral incisors with dental implants instead of central incisors when possible.  

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