Background: The relationship between the maxillary sinus (MS) and the root apices of posterior teeth is of significant clinical relevance as it influences the diagnosis and treatment planning when operating in the posterior areas of the maxilla. The aim of this study, therefore, is to assess this anatomic relationship and evaluate the propensity of roots of posterior maxillary teeth to be intruded into the MS space using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanning.
Materials and methods: One thousand CBCT scans of patients, aged 20 years or above, were analyzed in the study. The distance from the MS floor to the root apices of the posterior teeth was measured and the relationship between the MS and the posterior teeth roots were recorded, based on Kwak's and Didilescu's classification.
Results: Based on Kwak's classification, type I configuration was frequently observed in the maxillary posterior teeth, followed by type II. Based on Didilescu's classification, the longest distance, among premolars, was observed between the palatal root of the left 1st premolar and MS, i.e., 8.2467 mm. Among molars, the longest distance was observed between mesiobuccal root of the right first molar and MS, i.e., 5.8966 mm. The shortest distance, among premolars, was observed between the buccal root of the left second premolar and MS, i.e., 3.5500 mm, and among molars, the shortest distance was between the mesiobuccal root of the left second molar and MS, i.e., 1.3556 mm.
Conclusion: From the present study, it may be concluded that, among the central Indian population, mesiobuccal root of the second molars and buccal root of the second premolars show the closest proximity to the MS floor. Therefore, any surgical or endodontic intervention in the vicinity of these roots must be performed with utmost care.
Keywords: Cone-beam computed tomography; maxillary molars; maxillary premolars; maxillary sinus and root apices.
Copyright: © 2024 Journal of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics.