Dental Pathology and Maxillary Sinus Function: A Clinical Study

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate potential changes in the maxillary sinus associated with dental and periapical pathologies regarding a clinical and radiological assessment. Materials and Methods: A group of 200 patients, presenting with various upper posterior dental pathologies (periapical granuloma, periodontitis, pyogenic infections, and odontogenic cysts), was included over a 6-year period (2015-2021). Patients with oro-antral fistula, patients with dental implants excluded because defects can be created as a result of other factors like surgeon skills or dental implant complications. Totally edentulous maxillae or malignant tumors were excluded. Clinical and radiological assessments, including Panoramic Radiograph and Cone Beam CT scan, were conducted in the Maxillofacial Departments of Al-Kindy Teaching Hospital and the College of Dentistry at the University of Baghdad. Comprehensive dental treatment and follow-up were administered to all patients. Results: The study group comprised 60 male patients (30%) and 140 female patients (70%) with an age range of 20-60 years and an average age of 40 years. Among the 200 cases, only 18 (9%) exhibited sinus effects, indicative of chronic maxillary sinus disease. Notably, 5 cases (2.5%) displayed pathological alterations in the maxillary antrum (Max An). Conclusion: Within this group, maxillary sinus diseases arising from dental pathologies accounted for approximately 2.5% of cases. Dental pathologies extending into the sinus elicited diverse radiographic changes, often without overt symptoms. Dental treatment emerged as a primary approach for managing such cases, effectively addressing associated sinus alterations.