A Radiographic Descriptive Study of CBCT Images of Maxillary Sinus Anatomical Landmarks Clinically Relevant to Sinus Lifting

Abstract

Background and aim: The demand for interventions on the maxillary sinus area during implant surgery and in many fields of dental specialties necessitates an explicit knowledge of the anatomy of the region and the structures involved as a prospective approach to avoid complications and predicting a long- term success. Aim of this study was a radiological retrospective descriptive study of several anatomical landmarks that clinically related to sinus lifting procedures. Material and methods: CBCT images of 77 patients (35 males, 42 females) who recalled for implants in posterior maxilla or for comprehensive dental and periodontal treatment. Variables included the sinus dimensions and volume, the height of the ostium off the floor, the height of the PSAA off the alveolar crest, the thickness of the Schniederian membrane, the lateral wall, the alveolar or residual crest (height and width), the septa number, location and height, and the root apices intrusion into sinus floor.

Results:The means of the studied variables for the studies individuals recorded; sinus volume 34±13 mm³ , (ranged 11-74 mm³) the means of ostium height, membrane thickness, artery height (30.7±5 ranged 21-41), 4±0.3 ranged 0.3-43mm), (14.8±4 ranged 5-27mm), respectively. Septa were found in 29.8% of the individuals, and no significant differences were registered in variables according to age groups (p>0.05). Significant positive correlations between septa height with both of age (r2= 0.52, p=0.013) and the thickness of the lateral wall (r2= 0.75, p=0.001) , and between the ostium height with the sinus volume (r2= 0.64, p=0.001), and the artery height with the alveolar ridge height (r2= 0.52, p=0.001), while the alveolar ridge width negatively correlated with age (r2= -0.45, p=001). Conclusion: The variances in the anatomical landmarks locations and its radiological differences necessitates an in advance knowledge of the meticulous radiological projections study with the proper consultations would largely help anticipating complications and success of the surgical intervention on the maxillary sinus region in different dental procedures.