Evaluation of alveolar pneumatization in maxillary sinus and related factors by panoramic and CBCT imaging methods

Aim: Sinus pneumatization; is a physiological processthat increases the volume of sinus. In dentistry, evaluationcorrectly of presence the alveolar pneumatizationof maxillary sinus and relations between tooth root andthe sinus floor is important because of prevent possiblecomplications in dental treatments to be applied to posteriorregion. Therefore, this study aimed to identify thesensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of usuallypreferred panoramic radiography in dental clinics; indetecting alveolar pneumatization and the relations betweendental roots and sinus floor compared to CBCT.Additionally, the aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalenceof pneumatization in the Turkish sub-populationand possible associations with sinus pathologies withCBCT imaging.Materials and Method: 600 maxillary sinus images wereexamined with 'panoramic radiography and CBCT’. Inthe maxillary sinuses; alveolar pneumatization, mucosalthickening and the presence of other pathologies andthe relations between posterior tooth roots and sinusfloor were recorded.Conclusions: Alveolar pneumatization in 81.3% of patients,mucosal thickening in 63% and other pathologiesin 31.7% of patients was found. There was a statisticallysignificant difference between age groups in terms ofpneumatization and relation between tooth root and sinusfloor (p<0.05). Presence or absence of posterior teethwas effective on pneumatization (p<0.05).Panoramic radiographs show tooth roots more closelyrelated to the sinuses, especially when tooth root is adjacentto sinus. So dentist sometimes anticipates an unnecessaryperforation risk, but this condition doesn’t pose arisk for the patient. Therefore panoramic radiography canbe used to evaluate the relation between tooh root andsinus floor, but CBCT should be preferred for definite diagnosis.