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Considering the anatomical variability related to the maxillary sinus, its intimate relation to the maxillary posterior teeth and because of all the implications that pneumatization may possess, three-dimensional assessment of maxillary sinus pneumatization is of most usefulness. The aim of this study is to analyze the maxillary sinus dimensions both linearly and volumetrically using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) to assess the maxillary sinus pneumatization. Retrospective analysis of 30 maxillary sinuses belonging to 15 patients’ CBCT scans was performed. Linear and volumetric measurements were conducted and statistically analyzed. The maximum craniocaudal extension of the maxillary sinus was located around the 2nd molar in 93% of the sinuses, while the maximum mediolateral and antroposterior extensions of the maxillary sinus were located at the level of root of zygomatic complex in 90% of sinuses. There was a high correlation between the linear measurements of the right and left sides, where the antroposterior extension of the sinus at level of the nasal floor had the largest correlation (0.89). There was also a high correlation between the Simplant and geometric derived maxillary sinus volumes for both right and left sides (0.98 and 0.96, respectively). The relations of the sinus floor can be accurately assessed on the different orthogonal images obtained through 3D CBCT scan. The geometric method offered a much cheaper, easier, and less sophisticated substitute; therefore, with the availability of software, 3D volumetric measurements are more facilitated.

A network of accessory canals bringing into communication the inner and outer cortical plates of the jaws was identified. In light of these findings, clinicians should carefully assess for the presence of accessory canals prior to any surgical intervention to decrease the risk for complications.

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to assess cone-beam computed (CBCT) sialography imaging in the detection of different changes associated with lesions of salivary glands.Materials and MethodsThis study consisted of 8 cases with signs and symptoms from salivary gland lesions. Conventional sialography using digital panoramic and lateral oblique radiographs and CBCT sialography were performed for each subject. The radiographs were evaluated by 3 radiologists independently of each other. The results were compared between conventional sialography and CBCT sialography in the evaluation of various lesions associated with the salivary glands.ResultsThere was an agreement between the radiologists in interpreting the lesions that affected salivary glands with both techniques. The detection of the presence of stones or filling defects, stenosis, ductal evagination, dilatation, and space occupying lesions was 83% for conventional sialography compared with CBCT sialography. CBCT sialography was superior to conventional sialography in revealing stones, stenosis, and strictures, especially in the second and third order branches.ConclusionIt would be advisable to perform CBCT sialography in cases of obstructive salivary gland diseases for better demonstration of the ductal system of the gland.

Introduction:The presence of an atrophic maxilla creates a serious challenge in cases of implant placement, while maxillary sinus pneumatization further complicates the surgery. This pilot study was performed to investigate the validity of two techniques used to estimate the volumes of bone graft material required in cases that included lateral window sinus augmentation.Materials and Methods:Cone beam computed tomography was used for preoperative volumetric analysis of the maxillary sinus. The analysis was performed using the manual measurement of sinus dimensions, as well as automated measurements via the segmentation technique. The estimated volumes of required bone graft material were compared with actual intraoperative findings in cases requiring lateral window sinus augmentation. For this pilot study, only 5 patients were selected to be included.Results:To achieve 80% power and confidence interval of 95%, the sample size should be 35 patients. The correlation coefficient between the segmented volume and mm3 used was – 0.5332, whereas the coefficient between the manual volume and mm3 used was – 0.6784. Consequently, both results indicate that the two methods have a moderate negative correlation with the mm3 used.Conclusion:Performing a similar study with an increased number of patients, according to the calculated sample size, increases the possibility of revealing higher correlation between the methods used to analyze the partial volume of the sinus cavity. The estimated sinus volume of the area of augmentation, obtained by using either manual or segmentation techniques, could be considered as a maximum estimate for the required amount of graft material. Furthermore, the segmentation technique may be valuable in preoperative planning of sinus augmentation, as it reveals the topographic shape and morphology of the sinus.