3D Measurement of Maxillary Sinus Height for Multidisciplinary Benefit

Abstract

The normal position of maxillary sinus is imperative in the field of oral surgery, endodontics and orthodontics. In oral surgery, intermaxillary fixation (IMF) screws need to be positioned away from the maxillary sinus. The apices of the posterior maxillary teeth lie in close proximity to the sinus. This study aimed to correlate the position of the maxillary sinus to the alveolar crest as imaged by Cone Beam Computerized Tomography (CBCT) in a relatively larger sample of a particular race (Malaysian Malay). The CBCT volumetric data of 98 patients was used. Malay patients who had a complete set of dentition except third molars were selected for this study. A straight line was drawn from the alveolar crest to the sinus floor. The relationship between the maxillary sinus and the alveolar crest was evaluated by using the images from the sagittal view. The paired t test was used to compare the differences in the right and left quadrants. Sinus height between 2^nd and 1^st molar and 1^st molar and 2^nd molar shows significant difference (P<0.05) when compared between right and left quadrants. The 3D sinus height knowledge is imperative for multidiscipline purpose.