The aim of this study was to evaluate the interconnection between the type of nasopalatine canal (NPC) and morphometric characteristics of the anterior maxilla. The investigation involved 113 subjects, and the morphometric parameters were obtained using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). NPC shapes were classified into four types: banana-, hourglass-, cylindrical-, and funnel-shaped (distribution of approximately 9, 25, 31, and 35%, respectively). The analysis revealed that the NPC shape was significantly connected with the morphometric properties of anterior maxilla horizontal dimensions. In general, a banana-shaped NPC was accompanied with an overall reduction in anterior maxilla diameters when compared to other NPC shapes, with no significant difference between the other three NPC shapes. Furthermore, the morphometric characteristics that depend on NPC shape at the sagittal cross-section were significantly correlated with diameters of the incisive foramen, nasal foramen, and NPC length. According to the results of our study, it seems that the presented analyses of morphometric data may allow useful insight into the algorithms of various interconnections between the measures obtained in the region of the anterior maxilla, which could be of interest for a time rationale approach when planning some surgical procedures, such as immediate dental implant placement planning.

Mucosal melanomas (MMs) are under-researched tumors with a poor prognosis that arise from melanocytes found in the mucous membranes at different anatomical locations throughout the body. MMs are an uncommon yet highly aggressive tumor that typically develops on mucosal surfaces, predominantly in the head and neck region. MM of the head and neck occurs in 8–10% of all head and neck melanomas. It most commonly affects the mucosa of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses (75%), followed by the oral cavity mucosa (25%). A family history and the presence of mucosal nevi are associated with the occurrence of MM. Inhaled and dietary carcinogens are also linked to the development of sinonasal melanoma, much like other malignancies of the nasal cavity. Overexpression of the C-KIT gene is found in more than 80% of all primary mucosal melanomas, with somatic mutations in 10–30% of cases. The presence of these genetic alterations is also reflected in recent clinical studies of specific gene inhibitors that have proven efficiency in the systemic therapy of melanoma. There are various treatment modalities for MM. Surgical therapy involves en bloc surgical resection with a macroscopically visible and palpable mucosal margin of 1.5–2 cm. Partial resection of the maxilla may be considered if it ensures adequate tumor-free margine. Because of its rarity, outcome data for locally advanced head and neck MM is limited and primarily derived from retrospective studies with small case numbers. This review aims to update and summarize findings from clinical trials, prospective observational studies, and retrospective studies, while also exploring future directions for multimodal treatment approaches in this area.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the nasopalatine canal (NPC) shape and its morphometric characteristics on expected teeth movement by assessing the distance to maxillary central incisors (MCIs) according to NPC type. The retrospective study was performed on 133 CBCT images. The following parameters were obtained: the antero-posterior diameter (A-P) of the nasal foramen (NF), canal length, A-P and mediolateral diameter (M-L) of the incisive foramen (IF), and the distance between NPC and MCIs. With the exception of being hourglass-shaped, each NPC shape showed specific impacts of NPC shape on the relationship between NPC diameters at different sections and distances to MCIs. In banana-shaped NPC, a significant correlation was observed for A-P NF diameter, while in cylindrical-shaped NPC, a significant correlation was observed for NPC length. The increase in M-L IF, A-P IF, A-P NF, and NPC length in funnel-shaped NPC may be a risk factor for interventions that could result in teeth movement. According to the results, it seems that the proposed methodological approach for analysis of CBCT slices in the anterior maxilla may offer detailed information that could be an additional tool in planning the procedures that result in expected teeth movement.

Background: The aim of this narrative review was to provide insights into the influence of the morphological characteristics of the anatomical structures of the upper jaw based on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) analysis on the immediate implant placement in this region. Material and Methods:To conduct this research, we used many electronic databases, and the resulting papers were chosen and analyzed. From the clinical point of view, the region of the anterior maxilla is specific and can be difficult for immediate implant placement. Findings: Anatomical structures in the anterior maxilla, such as the nasopalatine canal and accessory canals, may limit and influence the implant therapy outcome. In addition to the aforementioned region, immediate implant placement in the posterior maxilla may be challenging for clinicians, especially in prosthetic-driven immediate implant placement procedures. Data presented within the recently published materials summarize the investigations performed in order to achieve more reliable indicators that may make more accurate decisions for clinicians. Conclusion: The possibility for immediate implant placement may be affected by the NPC shape in the anterior maxilla, while the presence of ACs may increase the incidence of immediate implant placement complications. The variations in IRS characteristics may be considered important criteria for choosing the implant properties required for successful immediate implant placement.

This study aimed to evaluate principal morphological and morphometric characteristics of accessory canals (ACs) of the anterior maxilla, as well as to analyze the relationship with nasopalatine canal (NPC) type. The results of our study showed that ACs were observed in almost 50% of participants. They were mostly presented bilaterally and in a curved shape, with a palatal foramen position. The morphometric characteristics of ACs were significantly influenced by NPC type. NPC type had the strongest impact on the distance between the NPC and AC, as well as on the distance between the AC and the facial aspect of buccal bone wall, in inferior parts of the alveolar ridge. On the other hand, the distance between the AC and central incisors was not significantly influenced by NPC shape in the lower region of the anterior maxilla. However, the participants with the banana-type of the NPC expressed the reduction in distance from the AC to the central incisor at the upper part in comparison with the subjects with the cylindrical-type of the NPC. On the basis of the results of this study, the simultaneous estimation of ACs and the NPC seems reasonable, as this approach may be useful in the prevention of complications which could occur during implant surgery interventions.

The aim of this study was to investigate the gender differences in anatomical and morphometric characteristics of the nasopalatine canal-NPC and horizontal dimensions of the anterior maxilla by CBCT, which could be of interest for clinicians who perform implant surgery in this region. A retrospective quantitative study was conducted using CBCT images from the radiological database of the Department of Dentistry (Kragujevac) on a total of 113 participants (63 male and 50 female). The results of our study confirmed no gender difference in the distribution of NPC type, while the most frequent NPC type confirmed gender variations (cylindrical in females, funnel in males), but the lowest incidence of NPC type in both males and females was banana-type. The NPC length was significantly increased in males with no significant gender impact on medio-lateral (M-L) and antero-posterior (A-P) dimensions of the incisive foramen, as well as the A-P dimension of the nasal foramen. Linear regression analysis revealed the significant correlation between the M-L dimension of incisive foramen and the anterior maxilla diameter at all bone levels for males, and between the NPC length and the anterior maxilla diameter only in females at the level D. Also, both NPC type and gender significantly affected the correlations between the estimated parameters (females showed significant correlation only in funnel NPC type at the level D, while males showed significant correlation in both funnel NPC type at the level A, but also in hourglass-type at the level D). Those results imply significant gender impact in planning of various surgical interventions in the anterior maxilla region.