Evaluation of the effect of periapical lesions and other odontogenic conditions on maxillary sinus mucosal thickness characteristics and mucosal appearance: A CBCT study

Background. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the effect of various dental and maxillary sinus variables on maxillary sinus mucosal thickness (MT). The variables included periodontal bone loss (PBL), periapical status, dental restorations of posterior maxillary teeth, and the distance from the root apices to the sinus mucosa.

Methods. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of the maxillary sinuses (n=600) in 300 patients were examined. The sinus MT and the distance of the roots from maxillary sinuses were measured. Apical lesions of the roots, PBL, and situations of adjacent teeth were recorded. The relationships between these conditions and MT and characterization of MT were evaluated. The Kruskal–Wallis H test was used to compare groups due to the non-normal distribution of the data. The relationship between categorical variables was analyzed using chi-squared test.

Results. There was a significant correlation between maxillary sinus MT and periapical lesions, PBL, and restorations (P<0.05). MT increased as the apical lesions of premolar teeth enlarged (P<0.05, P=0.022). MT increased in cases of mild PBL of molar teeth (P=0.041).

Conclusion. In this retrospective study, the MT significantly increased in patients with periapical lesions, inadequate endodontic treatment, increased PBL, and inadequate dental restorations.