Radiographic Assessment of the Change in the Maxillarysinus Mucosa in Proximity to Periodontally Involved Teeth

The aim of the present study is to explore the correlation between maxillary sinus diseases and inflammatory processes in the maxillary teeth in patients eligible for implant rehabilitation with a preoperative examination using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and methods 282 CBCT images of the maxilla and 530 images of the maxillary sinus were analyzed. Only teeth with chronic periodontitis and with no other pathological process were recruited in the target group. The distance between the sinus floor and the periodontal pocket depth (PPD) and the thickness of the Schneiderian membrane around each tooth was recorded. Results The mean thickness of the maxillary sinus mucosa was 7.74 mm, reaching its highest value at 26 mm (as seen in 2 patients with chronic periodontitis). The mean distance between the periodontal involvement and the maxillary sinus floor for the affected teeth was 5.53 mm. The distance varied between 0 mm and 13 mm. Conclusions This retrospective study showed that the thickness of the sinus membrane is directly related to the inflammatory processes of periodontium of the teeth adjacent to the sinus.