Assessment of maxillary sinus mucosal thickening and ostium patency in a Sample of patients preparing for dental implantation

Abstract

Background & Aim: dental implants and augmentation of the maxillary sinus are well-documented in procedures that include elevation of the sinus floor and placing a bone graft in that area to increase the thickness of maxillary bone. Any abnormal alterations, such as pre-existing sinus diseases that may lead to chronic reactive mucosal changes, could cause postoperative complications in sinus augmentation and should cause concern.   Preoperative assessment of maxillary sinus condition and implant candidates may prevent complications associated with sinus grafting or implant procedures.              

The objectives of present study were to evaluate the thickness of maxillary sinus mucosal membrane and study the correlation of the mucosal appearance and type of involvement with ostium obstruction, and provide information to dental surgeons about the incidence and characteristics of maxillary sinus mucosal thickness.

Materials and methods: To assess the thickness of maxillary sinus mucosal membrane in a sample of patients preparing for dental implantation using 3D cone beam computed tomography. The CBCT scans of 720 sinuses were examined and mucosal thickness of ≥ 2mm was considered pathological. The mucosal appearance, the ostium patency as “patent” or “obstructed”, and unilateral or bilateral mucosal thickness was assessed. gender was considered. Chi-square test was used to show the association between different variants in our study. A value of P < 0.05 was considered significant. The association between ostium obstruction and mucosal thickness appearance was determined using Pearson’s χ2 test, to evaluate the possible association.

Result: The mucosal thickness ≥ 2 mm was detected in 36.38% of patients; cases were mostly unilateral (71.75%) and. There was a higher incidence among male patients (44.69%). The irregular shape was the most prevalent appearance (39.28%). Ostium obstruction was observed in (28.25%) of sinuses with mucosal thickness and was mostly seen as unilateral sinus involvement. The complete appearance had the highest risk of ostium obstruction (100%) and the round shape had the lowest (12.72 %).

Conclusion:  The present study revealed that maxillary sinus mucosal thickness was prevalent among and men. Complete and unilateral type of mucosal thickness is associated with an increased risk of ostium obstruction. Therefore, the precise study of a CBCT scan could influence dental implant planning or necessitate special consideration.