Relationship between Maxillary Molar Root Tips and Maxillary Sinus Floor Using CBCT

Abstract

Introduction: Maxillary Sinus is a triangular-shaped paranasal sinus located close to the nose and maxillary
posterior teeth. It the largest of the four paranasal sinuses and is responsible for the resonance of voice
and also in the dissipation of any unwanted forces preventing injury to maxillofacial bones. Overtime
pneumatization of the maxillary sinus takes where age is a significant factor. Tooth loss may also lead to
loss of bone, which in turn causes reduced bone density and insufficient bone quantity and quality for the
placement of implants.
Materials and Method: CBCT scans were gathered and analyzed to establish a relationship between
the maxillary posterior root tips and the sinus floor. We had collected 30 CBCTs the Department of Oral
Medicine & Radiology, Saveetha dental college, Chennai. The distances of the root tip of the maxillary first
and second molar to the sinus floor was measured. Statistical analysis was done on the collected data.
Results: Mean and standard deviations of the distance of each root tip of maxillary first and second molar
from the maxillary sinus floor were obtained. No significant statistical difference was found between the
respective roots of maxillary first and second molars.
Conclusion: Knowledge regarding the relationship between posterior root tips of the maxilla and the sinus
is needed to prevent any unwanted complications during dental procedures.