Volumetric assessment and relationship of maxillary sinus floor with 1st & 2nd molar root apices in different sagittal skeletal patterns – A CBCT study

Context: The relationship between the dental roots and the inferior sinus wall is known to influence orthodontic tooth movement. Aims: To evaluate the distance from the maxillary first and second molars root apices to the floor of the sinus and to assess the volumetric variability of the sinus in different sagittal skeletal patterns. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional comparative study was carried out at the Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics of Bangalore Institute of Dental Sciences & Post-Graduate Research Centre, Bangalore. Methods and Material: A total of 90 subjects (18-45 years) were equally divided into three groups. CBCT scans of the skull were taken. Distances from the first and second molars root apices to the sinus floor were measured on both sides. Volumetric analysis of the sinus was done to assess correlation with skeletal growth patterns. Statistical analysis used: Descriptive and inferential statistics were carried out including mean, standard deviation, one-way ANOVA, and Independent t-test using SPSS v26.0 statistical software. Results: No statistically significant mean difference was found between the groups with respect to the distance of root tips to the floor of the maxillary sinus except for the palatal root of the 16 (p=0.004). A significant higher volume on left side was seen when compared to right side. Conclusions: No significant difference in the distance between maxillary first and second molar root apices to the sinus floor and there is no relationship between volumetric variability of the sinus in different skeletal malocclusions. Keywords: Maxillary sinus, Volumetric analysis, Sinus pneumatisation, orthodontic tooth movement, Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).