Morphometric Measurements of the Maxillary Sinus Based on Cone Beam Computed Tomography in a Selected Kenyan Population

Abstract

Objective : To assess the maxillary antrum (sinus) volume, dimensions, and to establish the sinus floor relation ship to posterior maxillary teeth roots and the prevalence of septation using Cone beam Computed Tomogram (CBCT) scans in a selected Kenyan population. Study design: A descriptive, cross-sectional retrospective study. Study Area : The study was carried out in Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya, a cosmopolitan city that has the largest referral hospital in Kenya. Study material: Cone beam Computed Tomogram (CBCT) scans of the midface region obtained with permission from a private maxillofacial imaging centre in Nairobi. The study population was determined using convenient sampling method, obtaining 55 scans of the Maxillary sinus. Results: Fifty-five scans were analyzed with 20(36.4%) belonging to males and 35(63.6%) being scans of females. The mean septum height was 4.5mm±1.9mm and the mean exostosis height was 4.2mm±2.2mm. The closest root apex to the antral floor was the mesiobuccal root apex of the second permanent molar: 2.2mm±1.5mm. There was a statistically significant difference between gender and the anteroposterior dimension of the sinusp=0.02, The mean sinus volume was larger in males, 13980.4±5024.4mm 3 (13.9ml±5.0ml) than in females, 10,885±3305.6 mm 3 (10.8ml±3.3ml). The difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion : There is variation of the maxillary sinus size, within the same individual and among different individuals, thereby emphasizing the need for a complete imaging in treatment planning in the para-antral region. Due to the increased use of implants in dentistry, CBCT imaging as part of the diagnostic pre-implant workup and sinus analysis is crucial so as to avoid complications during surgery in the para-antral region