THE PREVALENCE, COMPLICATIONS AND MANAGEMENT OF MAXILLARY SINUS SEPTA

Abstract

Objectives: Historically, maxillary posterior teeth have demonstrated a high incidence of periodontal bone loss and consequently tooth loss. The result is often a loss of vertical height in the posterior maxilla due to sinus pneumatization. This study was carried out to evaluate the incidence and clinical implications of maxillary sinus septa to sinus augmentation procedures. Methods & Materials: A total of 100 patient CBCT scans were examined, of whom 50 were male and 50 females. Patients in this study were either edentulous or partially edentulous and were referred to the Misch International Implant institute (MIII) specifically for possible sinus surgery related to future implant placement. For the purposes of this study, a minimum height of 3mm was used to classify bony lamellae as septa. Results: We found a total of 37 septa in 200 sinuses (18.5%). This corresponds to 29% of the subjects. We can break down the results based on sex, finding the incidence of 30% in females and 28% in males. The majority of the subjects with septa were in the 60+ age bracket. Additionally, all of the septa in our study were oriented in a bucco-palatal direction Conclusions: Detailed information about the sinus anatomy / pathology and specifically the presence of septa (their location and morphology) with the aid of CT scan analysis may provide crucial information to reduce unnecessary complications associated with maxillary sinus surgery i.e. sinus floor elevation.