Anatomical Evaluation of Posterior Maxillary Roots in Relation to the Maxillary Sinus Floor in a Saudi Sub-Population: A Cross-Sectional Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Study

Abstract

To evaluate the mean distance and differences between posterior maxillary teeth and maxillary sinus floor (MSF) concerning the age and gender of the patients, a total of 124 maxillary sinuses and 496 posterior maxillary teeth were randomly selected in 62 cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. Mean distances between posterior maxillary roots (PMRs) from different teeth and the MSF were measured using a calibrated tool in the software. Other relations regarding the gender and age of the patients were determined. The mean root-MSF distances in the right and left first premolars were more significant compared to the second premolars. No significant relation was found between the apices of the right and left first and second molar roots and the floor of the maxillary sinus concerning gender. A statistically significant relation was found between the apices of the buccal root of the right first premolar, right and left first and second molars and floor of the maxillary sinus concerning the age group 21-40 years (p-value = 0.009). This study showed that the second molar mesiobuccal root apex is frequently related to the sinus floor. Differences were reported concerning age, concerning the distance between posterior maxillary teeth and the maxillary sinus floor. CBCT technology helped provide the clinical proximity between the MSF and the posterior teeth root apices during the treatment planning.