Analysis of Anatomical Features in Posterior Maxillae Edentulous Sites for Dental Implant Planning by Cone Beam Computer Tomography

This study analyzed cone beam computer tomography (CBCT) data from 348 patients (417 edentulous sites) to quantify anatomical variations in posterior maxillae for implant planning. Key measurements included residual bone height (RBH), residual bone width (RAW), and thickness of maxillary sinus lateral wall (TLW). Results showed RBH in the second molar region (6.19 ± 4.03 mm) was significantly smaller than in the first molar region (7.01 ± 3.77 mm, P < 0.05), with 31.42% of M2 sites having RBH <7 mm. RAW was wider in M2 (13.03 ± 5.05 mm versus M1:11.00 ± 4.03 mm, P < 0.05), and TLW decreased with distance from the sinus floor (maximum 1.87 ± 1.42 mm at 3 mm). These findings highlight the need for CBCT-based preoperative planning to tailor sinus lift strategies and implant selection. Clinicians should prioritize lateral window approaches ≥3 mm from the sinus floor in cases of severe bone height deficiency. CBCT-guided assessment of posterior maxillae anatomy optimizes implant placement and reduces complications.