Topography of the inferior wall of the maxillary sinus in Koreans

The anatomical description and the relationship between the root apex and the inferior wall of sinus are critical in diagnoses and surgeries of the sinus pathoses, and in dental implantation. So, identification of the proximity between the root apex and the inferior wall of sinus and the clarification of cortical thickness of inferior wall of sinus are indicated the topography of spreading dental infection into the maxillary sinus. Therefore, anatomical knowledge of the topography between the root apex and the inferior wall maxillary sinus are important in the diagnosis and treatment planning of the dental implantation, endodontic procedures, and orthodontic treatment. The purposes of this study were to clarify the morphological and clinical characteristics of the maxillary sinus, especially the inferior wall of sinus in Korean, and to identify the relationship between the inferior wall of maxillary sinus and the roots of maxillary teeth. 24 sides of maxillae of the hemi-sectioned Korean heads were used in this study. All specimens were taken DentaScan reformatted cross-sectional images were taken for the radiographic evaluation of the maxillary teeth and inferior wall of maxillary sinus. All specimens were decalcificated and thenp were sectioned coronally. On the sectioned specimen, 21 metric items were measured using the image analyzing system. The results were as follows: 1. The distance between the each root apex and the inferior wall of maxillary sinus were measured. In the 2nd molar area the distance from the root apex to the inferior wall of sinus was the shortest and the longest in the 1st premolar area. 2. The thickness of the cortical plate of the inferior wall of maxillary sinus was thinnest in the 1st premolar area, whereas, the thickest in the 2nd premolar area. 3. The vertical relationship between the inferior wall and the roots of the maxillary molars was classified into 5 types. Type I (the inferior wall of sinus was located above the level connecting the buccal and lingual root apices) was predominant (54.5% in the 1st molar area, 52.4% in the 2nd molar area). 4. The horizontal relationship between the inferior wall of sinus and root apex were classified into 3 types. Type 2 (the alveolar recess of the inferior wall of sinus was located between the buccal and lingual roots) was predominant (80% in the 1st and 2nd molar area). Taken all together, this study demonstrated various anatomical characteristics and relationships between the maxillary sinus and their surrounding structures. Recognition of these findings may have an impact on the clinical management of patients.ope