CBCT Measurements Of Maxillary Molars and relation to the buccal/palatal plate and sinus

University of Minnesota M.S. thesis. August 2015. Major: Dentistry. Advisor: Walter Bowles. 1 computer file (PDF); ix, 60 pages.Abstract Objective: Surgical manipulation of human tissues during endodontic surgery requires that the clinician be knowledgeable of anatomic dimensions. If a CBCT is not available due to location/cost, it is prudent for the clinician to consult a knowledge base for the surgical site. Knowledge of the buccolingual (BL) and mesiodistal( MD) thickness on maxillary molar roots at the preferred level for root resection(3mm), the distance between the root apices of the 1st and 2nd molars, and he proximity of each root apex to the maxillary sinus will help the surgeon before and during the surgical procedure. Methods: Cone beam computed tomography scans from 155 patients were used to evaluate measurements from 505 teeth and respective areas Results: 1) Buccal bone was thinnest over the MB root of the 1st molar (0.84mm) and thickest over the MB root of the 2nd molar (1.91mm). 2) The thickest root (B-L dimension) was the MB root of the 1st molar (5.49mm), and the thinnest was the palatal of second molar (3.81mm). The largest root (M-D dimension) was the palatal root of the 1st molar (4.3 mm), and the smallest was the DB root of the 2nd molar (2.87mm). 3) The MB and DB roots of the 2nd molar were the closest in proximity of roots (1.00mm). 4) The MB root of the 2nd molar has the closest proximity to the sinus floor with an average distance of 0.66mm. Conclusion: Understanding of the maxillary posterior tooth anatomy for apical resection is beneficial to the endodontist. The root width and its relative position to the sinus can aid the surgeon in performing the root resection