Evaluation of maxillary sinus on anatomical characteristics and related factors using cone beam computed tomography images

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate prevalence of the anatomical characteristics in maxillary sinuses; and its association with sex, age, tooth area and dental status using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Methods: Retrospectively reviewed CBCT images of maxillary sinuses from 370 sinuses in 185 patients at the Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University were evaluated. Residual ridge height (RRH), lateral wall thickness (LWT), sinus septa, posterior superior alveolar artery (PSAA), membrane thickness (MT) and ostium were evaluated and compared according to sex, age, tooth area and dental status.

Results: Mean RRH was 12.13 ± 3.64 mm. Mean LWT was 2.23 ± 0.95 mm. Prevalence of septa was 22.43%. The most orientation of the septa was mediolateral (89.13%). Septa was mostly at the first molar and second molar region (66.3%). PSAA were detected in 32.16% and most (52.85%) had an intraosseous location. The diameter was mostly 15 mm from the alveolar crest. Mean MT was 1.3 ± 2.05 mm. The ostium was mostly patency (94.05%) and located at the first molar and second molar region (95.98%). Mean distance of ostium from the sinus floor was 30.03 ± 5.08 mm.

Conclusion: Although the anatomical characteristics of maxillary sinus related to sex, age, tooth area and dental status, they also had variation. The surgeon should evaluate case by case using CBCT for planning surgery, in order to minimize the risk of complications related to sinus surgery.