Assessment of Incidence of Lateral Incisive Canals in a Japanese Population Using Dental Cone-Beam Computed Tomography

This observational study employed dental cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) to evaluate the incidence and anatomical features of neurovascular structures within the lateral incisive canal (LIC). Images obtained from 221 patients were evaluated to determine the presence, diameter, and length of the LIC. Lateral incisive canals were identified in 24.4% of the CBCT images examined (bilaterally in 61.1% and unilaterally in 38.9%). One LIC was observed in 57.4% of cases, 2 in 16.7%, and 3 in 14.8%, with only a minority of cases displaying 4 to 6 LICs. The mean diameter of the LIC was 0.7±0.3 mm (0.3-1.8 mm) while that of the foramen was 0.8±0.4 mm (0.3-2.3 mm). Moreover, the mean length of the LIC was 8.9±4.1 mm (2.1-32.3 mm). The incidence of LICs (24.4%) was lower than that reported in previous CBCT studies of Asian populations. However, there may be regional differences in the incidence of anatomical structures, even among individuals of the same ethnic group. These results show that using CBCT to identify LICs can provide valuable information in the planning of surgical procedures involving the anterior maxilla.