Comparison of Morphological Patterns and Location of Maxillary Sinus Septa in Dentate and Edentulous Patients Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography.

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVE

Evaluation of anatomical structures, such as the maxillary sinus septa, is critical for the success of sinus surgeries. This study compared the morphological patterns and locations of maxillary sinus septa in dentate and edentulous patients using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

METHODS

This retrospective descriptive-analytical study included 164 patients (327 maxillary sinuses) who were referred to a private radiology clinic in Ahvaz during 1399-1400. Cone-beam computed tomography images were obtained using a NewTom VGi unit and evaluated with NNT Viewer software. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 26 and the chi-square test and analysis of variance.

RESULTS

Of the 327 sinuses examined by us, 135 septa (41.2%) were identified. The prevalence of septa in the complete dentition (32.8%), complete edentulism (27.8%) and partial dentition (34.1%) groups did not differ significantly. Septa were most frequently located on the lateral wall (48.1%) and the distribution of septal location among the different groups was statistically significant (P = 0.042). The vertical morphological pattern was the most commonly found one (53.3%) and the molar region showed the highest frequency of septa (58.8%). The mean septal length was 8.23 mm.

CONCLUSION

The findings indicated that maxillary sinus septa are common structures, predominantly with a vertical pattern and located on the lateral wall and in the molar region.