Three-dimensional quantification of the relationship between the upper first molar and maxillary sinus

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Radiology

Background:

• The anatomical relationship between upper molar roots and the maxillary sinus is crucial for dental implantology and sinus lift procedures.
• Previous studies often relied on 2D imaging, limiting the understanding of the complex 3D spatial correlation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the three-dimensional relationship between upper first molar roots and the maxillary sinus using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).
• To quantify the contact area and root surface proportion between upper first molars and the maxillary sinus.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 105 upper first molars from 74 patients using CBCT data.
• Semi-automatic segmentation of upper first molars and maxillary sinus in MeVisLab, followed by 3D analysis in 3-matic Medical.
• Statistical analysis using ANOVA to compare root contact areas.

Main Results:

• 70% of upper first molars exhibited contact with the maxillary sinus.
• The palatal root had the largest contact area (27.8 mm², 20% of root surface), followed by mesiobuccal (20.5 mm², 17%) and distobuccal roots (13.7 mm², 14%).
• Statistically significant differences in contact area were observed among the different roots.

Conclusions:

• The palatal root demonstrates the most significant interaction with the maxillary sinus.
• A substantial proportion of upper first molars are in close proximity to the maxillary sinus, highlighting potential risks during dental procedures.
• This 3D volumetric assessment provides valuable insights for surgical planning and understanding pathologies involving the maxillary sinus and upper molars.