CBCT image analysis of sinus anatomical structures in implant patients undergoing maxillary sinus floor augmentation

Purpose: In this study, various anatomical structures of the maxillary sinus that should be considered for the selection of appropriate maxillary sinus floor augmentation (MSFA) were analyzed using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).Materials and Methods: Among a total of 90 patients who visited Chonnam National University Dental Hospital and had dental implants placed with SFA, 146 implant sites surviving for more than 5 years were studied.Medical records were examined to know the performed method of MSFA (transcrestal approach (CA) versus lateral window approach (LA)), and preoperative CBCT images were analyzed sinus mucosa thickness (FT), height of the posterior superior alveolar artery (PSAA), residual bone height (RBH), lateral wall thickness (LT), and sinus contour, and statistically analyzed.Results: FT was 2.85 3.56 mm, LT was 1.41 0.99 mm, the PSAA height was 14.35 3.46 mm, and the width of the sinus was 13.13 4.29 mm.Narrow tapered type was the most common in the second premolar region.RBH had a significant negative correlation with the height of the PSAA and the width of the maxillary sinus, and a significant positive correlation with LT.Implant survival was 100% for both methods in sites with RBH of 4 mm or less.Comparing anatomical measurements between the two methods, FT was greater in CA and the height of the PSAA was greater in LA (P < 0.05).Conclusion: In cases where the residual bone height is less than 4 mm, it is difficult to form a lateral opening due to the low PSAA height, thin lateral wall thickness, and narrow contour, or when the maxillary sinus floor mucosa is thick, a good success rate can be expected by performing crestal approach.(