Comparison of maxillary sinus volumes in individuals with different dentofacial skeletal patterns: A cone-beam computed tomography study

Abstract

Introduction: In dentistry, the maxillary sinus is a paramount anatomical formation due to its proximity to teeth. The aim of this study is to evaluate the change of the maxillary sinus volumes (MSV) in accordance with three different types of skeletal malocclusions, by using digital three-dimensional (3D) modeling. Methods: Overall, 158 cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of 79 patients were analyzed. The MSV was measured using the MIMICS 19.0 software (Materialise HQ Technologielaan, Leuven, Belgium). Cephalometric angular measurement (ANB) was used to evaluate the skeletal patterns (Angle class I-II-III). The angle between Sella-Nasion and point A (SNA) was also measured. Results: The average volume of the right maxillary sinus was 12.450 cm3, while the left was 12.586 cm3. No significant relationships between MSV, age, gender, and SNA values or between the left and the right sinus were found (p>0.05). Also, MSV did not show any meaningful differences in accordance with the various skeletal types (p>0.05). Discussion and Conclusion: Age, gender, malocclusion classes, and SNA values did not provide any substantial alteration on the volume of the maxillary sinus. The outcomes of this study may be beneficial in the assessment of the maxillary sinus when outlining operations such as orthodontic mini screw implantation and orthognathic surgery