The distance between maxillary second molar and the base of the maxillary sinus by aging using CT scan

Abstract

The alveolar process of the maxilla forms the maxillary sinus floor. If the sinus is of an average size, it is on a level with the floor of the nose; if the sinus is large, it reaches below this level. Projecting into the floor of the antrum are several conical processes, corresponding to the roots of the first and second molar teeth; in some cases, the fangs of the teeth perforate the floor .The close anatomical relationship of the maxillary sinus with the roots of maxillary molars and premolars renders this anatomical region susceptible to morbid situations resulting from damage to, and therapeutic intervention in the dentoalveolar environment. Knowledge of the relationship between the root apex and the inferior wall of the maxillary sinus is crucial for diagnosis and treating a sinus pathosis as well as in assisting dental implantation, endodontic procedures and orthodontic treatment. This study aimed to estimate different distances between the maxillary sinus base and the root apices of maxillary second molars measured on computed tomography (CT) to determine the differences through aging. Sixty patients attending the radiology center of AL-Zahraa Teaching Hospital in AL-Kut city for any maxillofacial complaints were selected in this study according to special criteria. The samples were divided into four equal groups according to their age. Lines were drawn on the sagittal reconstructed images between the deepest point of the maxillary sinus floor and the root apices of the maxillary second molar and the distances were measured using built-in measurement tools for right and left sides of these four groups. Results of this study found that there was no significant difference in the distance between apices of maxillary second molar roots and the floor of maxillary sinus in the four age groups and there was no significant differences between the right and left sides of the 2nd molar roots apices and their relations to the floor of the maxillary sinus in these groups except in P roots of 50 age group the distance in right side was larger than in the left side.