Maxillary sinus morphometry and root-sinus proximity in the posterior maxilla: a CBCT study.

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Radiology
• Anatomy

Background:

• Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is crucial for assessing maxillary sinus anatomy.
• Understanding maxillary sinus dimensions and root proximity is vital for dental implantology and sinus augmentation procedures.
• Sexual dimorphism in craniofacial structures, including the maxillary sinus, is well-documented.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify maxillary sinus dimensions (anteroposterior, mediolateral, superior-inferior) at 5 mm and 10 mm above the sinus floor using CBCT.
• To compare these dimensions between sexes.
• To classify posterior molar root-sinus relationships using the Tian classification and assess if sinus dimensions differ across these categories.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study analyzed 120 CBCT scans (62 males, 58 females).
• Maxillary sinus dimensions were measured bilaterally at 5 mm and 10 mm above the sinus floor.
• Posterior molar root-sinus proximity was categorized using the Tian classification (IS/CO/OS).
• Statistical analyses included independent-samples t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and one-way ANOVA with Tukey post hoc comparisons.

Main Results:

• Males exhibited significantly larger maxillary sinus dimensions (AP, ML, SI) than females at both reference levels (p ≤ 0.022 on the right; p ≤ 0.007 on the left).
• Molar root lengths were comparable between sexes, except for the right second molar, which was longer in males.
• The superior-inferior (SI) height at 5 mm showed consistent associations with Tian proximity categories, with Type OS demonstrating lower values than Type CO and Type IS.

Conclusions:

• Maxillary sinus dimensions display significant sexual dimorphism, with males generally having larger measurements.
• Molar root lengths are largely similar between sexes, but root-sinus proximity influences sinus morphometry, particularly SI height.
• Sex-specific anatomical considerations are important for optimizing CBCT assessments in posterior maxilla procedures like sinus augmentation and implant surgery.