Assessment of the vertical relationship between the maxillary posterior teeth and the maxillary antral floor in a South Indian population using Cone Beam Computed Tomography- A radiographic observational study

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Maxillary sinus, also known as the Antrum of Highmore, is said to be one of the largest pyramidal shaped paranasal sinuses that begins at the 10th week of intrauterine development and undergoes pneumatisation. The root apices of the maxillary posterior teeth have a proximity to the antral floor, so a thorough understanding of this anatomical relationship is very essential as it can have an important influence during dental procedures such as implant planning, extractions, and certain other oral and maxillofacial surgeries. The aim of this study was to assess the vertical relationship between the posterior teeth in the maxillary arch with the floor of the maxillary antrum, using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) in a South Indian population.   Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of 50 right or left maxillary sinuses in panorama and tangential sections by tracing the outline forms of the maxillary antral floor and also measuring its vertical distance from maxillary posterior root apices.   Results: Four types of relationship patterns were observed between the maxillary antral floor and root apices of the maxillary posteriors. The root apices of the maxillary second molar were found to be in close proximity with the maxillary sinus (2.27mm) and similar observation was found in the left side with the left second molar to be in close proximity to the sinus (2.04 mm).   Conclusion: The assessment of this vertical relationship is very important during extractions, implant planning or during any other surgeries in the maxillofacial region.