Accessory foramina in anterior maxilla: study in Cone beam Computed Tomography

Objectives: The main aim of this study is to analyze presence, diameter and localization of accessory foramina in anterior maxilla area (AFAMA) through Cone beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) exams in a Brazilian sample.
Methods: Forty CBCT exams of maxilla, obtained at i-CAT Classic® device, were analyzed in i-CAT Vision® software. The exams were selected according to inclusion criteria: no bone lesion and good image quality. To be considered a real AFAMA, the foramina should presented at least 1 mm in diameter and be presented in axial, sagital and coronal reconstructions. By axial view, the foramina was located according with teeth, medium line (AFAMA-ML), vestibular alveolar edge (AFAMA-VAE) and incisive foramen (AFAMA-IF).
Results: Our sample was composed by 18 male and 22 female patients, with mean age of 42.9±16.66 years old. Nine AFAMA was presented in 9 patients (22.5%), 5 male and 4 female. In the right side, was found 5 AFAMA and 4 in left side. The mean distance AFAMA-ML= 5.51±3.06mm, AFAMA-VAE=11.51±4.06mm and AFAMA-IF= 8.45±3.10mm. 6 AFAMA was not able to be located according to teeth because were in edentulous area, 1 was related to lateral incisive, 2 related to canine and none was found in relation to central incisive.
Conclusions: AFAMA is located close to IF and ML. In dentates patients, was possible to realize more foramina related to canine. Apparently there is no correlation between AFAMA presence and sex or side.