Canalis Sinuosis: Implications in Implant Dentistry

The canalis sinuosis is an anatomical canal located in the anterior maxilla in a minority of patients. It contains a neurovascular bundle that may be encountered during dental implant placement and can be overlooked in radiologic examinations. The neurovascular bundle contains the anterior superior alveolar artery, a branch of the infraorbital nerve, the corresponding vein, and the anterior superior alveolar nerve. Cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT) may be important in identifying this structure to prevent complications. Complications such as the canalis sinuosis may be confused with pathology without CBCT, leading to an inappropriate diagnosis and subsequent treatment. Thus, it may be erroneously surgically entered to debride a suspected pathology. Therefore, clinicians should understand the canalis sinuosis to avoid potential misadventures.