Evaluation of the impacted upper canine and maxillary sinus dimensions using cone beam computed tomography

This study aimed use cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) to compare the maxillary sinus volume and transverse dimensions between sides with and without palatally impacted maxillary canines. The CBCT records of 47 patients with unilateral palatally impacted canines (18 males, 29 females; mean age: 22.19 ± 7.71 years) were included. The maxillary sinus volume was measured using semiautomatic segmentation, and transversal maxillary dimensions were assessed in the posterior region. Deviation of the nasal septum and alveolar pneumatization were also evaluated. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 25.0 with a significance level set at p < 0.05. As compared with the nonimpacted side, the maxillary and molar basal widths were significantly smaller and the septum deviation angle was greater on the impacted side (p < 0.05). A one-unit increase in the septal deviation angle increased the probability of impaction by 1.177 times. A negative correlation was detected between the maxillary sinus intensity and zygomatic width, molar basal width, and molar alveolar width (r = 0.431, 0.316, and 0.351, respectively). The incidence of pathological sinus findings did not differ significantly between sides (38.3% vs. 51.06%). Similarly, the rates of alveolar pneumatization were comparable (51.06% vs. 48.94%). The mean sinus volumes were 13,147.96 voxels on the impacted side and 13,194.38 voxels on the nonimpacted side, with no significant difference (p > 0.05). In conclusion, although palatally impacted maxillary canines are associated with narrower posterior maxillary transverse dimensions and increased septal deviation, they do not have a considerable effect on the maxillary sinus volume. These findings provide clinically relevant information for orthodontic diagnosis and surgical planning.