Prevalence, Location, and Size of Maxillary Sinus Septa: Computed Tomography Scan Analysis

J Contemp Dent Pract. 2017 Jan 1;18(1):11-15. doi: 10.5005/jp-journals-10024-1980.

Abstract

Introduction: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the anatomy of the maxillary sinus in relation to its position and the height of its septa, using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Materials and methods: In this descriptive retrospective study, 300 CBCT images of maxillary sinuses of patients with posterior maxillary edentulism were evaluated. The maxillary sinus septa were evaluated in relation to their prevalence, height, and position; t-test and Mann-Whitney tests were used for the analysis of data.

Results: Sinus septa were detected in 44% of the subjects, with equal frequencies in the anterior, middle, and posterior positions. The mean height of the septa was 3.6 ± 1.56 mm.

Conclusion: In a population of Iranian subjects, in half of the cases, the sinus septa might be present in the anterior, middle, and posterior positions.

Clinical significance: In order to avoid intraoperative problems during sinus lift procedures, it is necessary to accurately evaluate the sinus, preferably with the use of CBCT Keywords: Cone beam computed tomography, Dental implant, Maxillary sinus septa.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging / pathology
  • Anatomic Variation
  • Cone-Beam Computed Tomography*
  • Dental Implantation / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intraoperative Complications / prevention & control
  • Iran
  • Jaw, Edentulous / diagnostic imaging
  • Jaw, Edentulous / pathology
  • Male
  • Maxilla
  • Maxillary Sinus / anatomy & histology*
  • Maxillary Sinus / diagnostic imaging*
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Sex Characteristics