A study on 3D imaging of maxillary sinus anatomical variations using CBCT

The maxillary sinus, the largest paranasal sinus, shows considerable anatomical variations that influence oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures. In this retrospective CBCT study of 450 patients aged 18-75 years, sinus dimensions, septal patterns, floor morphology and proximity to posterior teeth were evaluated. The mean sinus volume was 14.7 ± 4.2 cm³, with bilateral asymmetry in 38.4%, septa present in 62.7% and root protrusions into the sinus observed in 41.3% of cases. The sinus floor-to-alveolar crest distance ranged from 1.2 mm at the first molar to 3.8 mm at the second premolar. These variations emphasize the necessity of CBCT imaging for precise surgical planning, particularly in posterior maxillary implant placement.