Development and Application of Nasal Spine-Guided Classification for Maxillary Sinus Pneumatization.

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Radiology
• Anatomy

Background:

• Maxillary sinus pneumatization is a common anatomical variation.
• Assessing its vertical extension and relationship with posterior teeth is crucial for dental procedures.
• Existing classification methods may lack precision.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel Nasal Spine-Guided Classification for maxillary sinus pneumatization.
• To evaluate the anatomical relationship between maxillary sinus floor and posterior teeth roots using CBCT.
• To assess these parameters in a Saudi subpopulation.

Main Methods:

• Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of 380 patients were analyzed.
• A novel Nasal Spine-Guided Classification was applied to measure pneumatization.
• Maxillary sinus membrane thickness and root proximity to the sinus floor were measured.

Main Results:

• Advanced maxillary sinus pneumatization (Class III) was prevalent.
• A high frequency (over 79%) of direct contact between posterior maxillary root apices and the sinus floor was observed.
• No significant association was found between sinus membrane thickness and pneumatization in edentulous areas.

Conclusions:

• The Nasal Spine-Guided Classification is effective for assessing maxillary sinus pneumatization.
• Significant pneumatization and close root proximity to the sinus floor are common in the Saudi population.
• These findings have implications for dental implantology and sinus lift procedures.