Radiological analysis of maxillary sinus anatomy in the 1st molar region in different ages and genders- A Cone Beam CT study

Background: Placing implants in the posterior maxilla of the edentulous mandible is the most common problem encountered in implant dentistry. Numerous augmentation procedures are currently being conducted with considerable efficacy, rendering it imperative to ascertain the precise morphology of essential anatomical structures, such as the maxillary sinus (MS). Aims and Objectives: Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) aids in estimating the key surgical anatomic structures of the MS in the first molar region among males and females in different age groups that can be helpful in preventing perioperative and after complications. Materials and Methods: One hundred and eighteen CBCT scans of the maxillary first molar region were used in the study. The CBCT scans were obtained from patients at a dental college. (1) MS angle (MSA), (2) MS lateral wall thickness (LWT), and (3) Schneiderian membrane thickness (MT) were evaluated among 118 CBCT scans. Results: Pearson’s correlation coefficient (R) was calculated, and its significance was tested using the t -test between age and MSA, MT, and LWT. Unpaired t -test is applied to find the correlation between gender and LWT and MSA. The mean patient age was 42.68 ± 14.05. The mean MSA at the first molar position was 78.26° ±9.93°. LWT was 1.76 ± 0.67 mm. The mean MT in the first molar region was 1.82 ± 1.59 mm ( P > 0.05). MT was ≤3 mm in 72.9% of the patients and >3 mm in 27.10% of cases. MSA has an overall accuracy of 90.9% for gender determination. Conclusion: CBCT has demonstrated the ability to assess anatomical changes in the MS between genders and age groups. CBCT should be the gold standard for assessing the MS region.