The patent nasopalatine duct: A potential cause of unclear pain in the anterior maxilla

Objective: The aim of this report is to describe symptoms that can suggest the presence of a patent nasopalatine duct and to illustrate three cases. Summary: Patent nasopalatine ducts connecting the oral cavity with the nasal cavity are extremely rare. This malformation can be considered a developmental abnormality. Clinically, patent nasopalatine ducts appear as single or double spherical or oval apertures lateral or posterior to the incisive papilla. This type of anatomical malformation can be associated with an unclear pain sensation in the anterior maxillary region, which may be misinterpreted for example as toothache of endodontic origin. However, persisting nasopalatine ducts can also exist as an asymptomatic abnormality with no clinical sign of discomfort. Accordingly, understanding the differential diagnosis of a possible patent nasopalatine duct can prevent a general practitioner from performing unnecessary interventions, such as endodontic treatments, apical surgeries, or tooth extractions. Keywords: incisive papilla, misdiagnosis, nasopalatine duct, vomeronasal organ