Experimental comparison of radiographic techniques in the detection of maxillary sinus disease

The radiographic examination of the maxillary sinus is usually accomplished by the Waters' projection. However, some lesions, such as the mucous retention cyst, postoperative maxillary cyst and maxillary sinus carcinoma, as well as some lesions extending into the maxillary sinus, may be shown by panoramic radiography. The present study was conducted to confirm the ability of panoramic radiography in the detection of maxillary sinus disease. The representation of a globular radiopaque mass at different locations in the maxillary sinus of a dry skull was compared in Waters' and panoramic projections. A mass with a diameter of 10 mm situated on the posterior wall or floor of the maxillary sinus was shown better by panoramic radiography. The Waters' projection was less effective; the mass, especially on the floor of the sinus, was not clearly demonstrated due to superimposition of the maxillary molar teeth.