Proximity of the roots of posterior teeth to the maxillary sinus in different facial biotypes.

Abstract

Orthodontists consider facial growth pattern and oral function when developing a treatment plan. Less attention is given to the relationship between the maxillary posterior teeth and the maxillary sinus. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between the roots of the maxillary posterior teeth and the floor of the maxillary sinus. Proximity of the roots to the maxillary sinus was scored for the left and right first and second premolars and molars (scores, 0-3). Mean scores per patient and per tooth type were calculated. The influences of age, sex, and facial biotype on mean scores per patient and tooth were analyzed. The mean scores per patient and the secondmolar scores were significantly lower in the normodivergent subjects compared with the hypodivergent subjects, and in the hypodivergent vs the hyperdivergent groups, indicating that the hypodivergent biotype had significantly fewer secondmolar roots into the sinus than the normodivergent and hyperdivergent biotypes. Age had no effect on mean score per patient, but in the hyperdivergent group, the secondmolar score increased with age, meaning that secondmolar roots tend to be closer to the sinus floor. In a young population (7-24years), the positions of the apices of the maxillary secondmolar roots in relation to the maxillary sinus floor are associated with the facial biotype. In a hypodivergent biotype, the roots of the secondmolars are located farther from the sinus floor compared with the normodivergent and hyperdivergent facial patterns.