Research progress of gubernacular canal morphology and function.

BACKGROUND: The authors conducted a literature review regarding the histomorphological and radiological features of gubernacular canal, as well as the function of gubernacular canal elucidated to understand the process of tooth eruption. TYPES OF STUDIES REVIEWED: Authors reviewed clinical and radiographic studies, literature reviews and case reports. They selected only studies that pertained to the the structure, characteristics, and functions of gubernacular canals, as well as the most recent studies regarding measurement indicators, particularly those involving cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). RESULTS: The gubernacular canal(GC) is the teeth eruption channel, which connects to the gingiva at the alveolar crest by connective tissue. Authors summarized the relationship between GC and certain odontogenic masses and abnormal eruption of teeth, and summarized the measurement indicators of gubernacular canal, and summarized the characteristics of GC on CBCT. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: After elucidating the morphology and function of GC, the research findings aim to provide insights and predictions into the eruption process of buried teeth and supernumerary teeth, assist clinical dentists in distinguishing between odontogenic and non odontogenic tumors, understanding the causal and spatial relationships between GC and various dental diseases, and have important practical significance for the selection of treatment plans for buried teeth, supernumerary teeth, and odontogenic tumors, as well as for clinical communication between doctors and patients. Clinical dentists need to improve their basic understanding of the anatomical structure of GC, oral and maxillofacial radiologists should also be able to accurately identify the imaging features of GC and reflect them in their daily imaging reports, providing more imaging information support for clinical dentists.