Grafting nasopalatine canal for dental implant placement
Grafting nasopalatine canal can be done at the time of dental implant placement or prior to placement. The decision on when to bone graft the area depends on the severity of the bone loss and the size of the nasopalatine canal.
When to graft the nasopalatine canal
Grafting of the nasopalatine canal is done when there is a perforation into the canal during dental implant osteotomy. Grafting is also done when there is a severe maxilla atrophy or when a large canal is in the location of a preferable implant location.
Procedural steps for grafting nasopalatine canal
The first step is to expose the nasopalatine foramen, or the incisive foramen. Encluecation of the tissue in this Y shape canal is the easiest method, however some advocate displacing the tissue. Placement of bone graft and dental implant and finally a membrane completes the procedure. If no dental implant at time of grafting then wait 4-6 months before re-entering.
Risks of grafting the nasopalatine canal
The loss of sensation of the palatal soft tissue is a risk and intra-operative hemorrhage is as well. Neither is a major concern and we handle the bleeding with local measures. Loss of sensation is nearly or always temporary Waasdorp JOI 2016
Articles on grafting nasopalatine canal