Maxillary sinus and mandibular canal location

Abstract

Dental implants have taken over the role of third dentition in recent times. The success of dental implants depends on the accurate placement of these implants. Key structures for an implantologist are the maxillary sinus and the mandibular canal. Shahin and coworkers[1] have carried out an innovative study with regard to the position of the maxillary sinus and mandibular canal, using a linear tomographic radiograph. They have studied the radiographic distance of maxillary sinus floor and mandibular canal to the alveolar crest and correlated it with the stature of individuals in a specific South Indian population. Some professional organizations have set up their own recommendations for clinical and radiographic pre-implant evaluation.[2–4] Linear tomography was used to evaluate the position of important anatomical structures. When used with a panoramic view, linear tomography allows the clinician to determine the implant placement site in all three planes.[5] A study using linear tomography was also carried out in the Indian population.[6] The fact that makes this study interesting is the associated radiographic features with stature. As stated in the conclusion of the study, a larger sample size would be more conclusive and useful.