Assessment of the Position of Maxillary Sinus Floor in Relation to Alveolar Ridge, Location of Sinus Septa, and Posterior Superior Alveolar Artery in the Chhattisgarh Population: A Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Analysis.

BACKGROUND

Substantial anatomical diversity exists within the maxillary sinus, particularly in relation to the alveolar crest, sinus septa, and the posterior superior alveolar artery (PSAA). Such variations hold important clinical implications, especially in procedures involving implant placement and sinus floor elevation.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the positional relationship between the maxillary sinus floor and the alveolar ridge, determine the prevalence and distribution of maxillary sinus septa, and assess the anatomical course of the PSAA in a Chhattisgarh population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A prospective observational design with a cross-sectional approach was adopted. The sample comprised 120 CBCT datasets from individuals aged 30-65 years. Three-dimensional reconstructed images were evaluated to determine the vertical separation between the sinus floor and the alveolar crest in the region of the first molar. Identified sinus septa were grouped according to their position into anterior, middle, or posterior categories. The trajectory of the PSAA was assessed and classified into intraosseous, intrasinus, or superficial patterns. Statistical procedures were applied to explore potential relationships with patient gender and dentition status.

RESULTS

In most evaluated cases, sinus septa were not observed (right side: 69.2%; left side: 70.0%). When present, septa showed a higher frequency in the anterior segment. The PSAA most commonly followed an intraosseous pathway on both sides (right: 55.8%; left: 53.3%), with intrasinus and superficial courses occurring less frequently. The measured vertical distance between the sinus floor and the alveolar crest showed no statistically significant variation when stratified by gender or dentition status (p > 0.05). Additionally, no meaningful correlations were identified between anatomical features and the studied variables.

CONCLUSION

Anatomical variations of the maxillary sinus and PSAA are common but do not appear to be significantly influenced by gender or dentition status. Preoperative CBCT evaluation remains essential for minimizing surgical risks and optimizing treatment outcomes in the posterior maxilla.