Evaluation of the maxillary third molars and maxillary sinus using cone-beam computed tomography

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Radiology

Background:

• Maxillary third molars are frequently impacted.
• Understanding their anatomical relationship with the maxillary sinus is critical for safe surgical extraction.
• Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) offers detailed 3D imaging for such assessments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the spatial relationship between maxillary third molars and the maxillary sinus.
• To analyze this relationship within a Turkish demographic cohort.
• To provide data for improved surgical predictability.

Main Methods:

• CBCT scans of 394 patients (300 right, 307 left maxillary third molars) were analyzed.
• Data collected included patient demographics, third molar angulation and depth, and sinus proximity.
• Statistical analysis was performed to assess relationships.

Main Results:

• Vertical impaction was the most prevalent angulation (80.2%).
• The most frequent sinus relationships were vertical Type I (43.5%) and horizontal Type II (59.3%).
• Significant differences were observed between vertical and horizontal sinus relationships (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

• Accurate knowledge of the maxillary third molar and sinus floor anatomy is vital for third molar removal.
• CBCT imaging is a valuable tool for pre-operative assessment in procedures involving maxillary third molars.