Cone Beam CT Evaluation of Maxillary Sinus and Posterior Superior Alveolar Artery

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the diameter, location, and appearance frequency of the posterior superior alveolar artery (PSAA), and the presence of septa and pathology within the maxillary sinus using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) cross sections. Methods: Two hundred CBCT records were included in the study. The patients were divided into dentate, partially dentate, and edentulous groups. The type of PSAA (intrasinus-intraosseous-superficial) and its diameter, the distance between the inferior border of the PSAA and alveolar crest, bone height measured from the floor of the sinus to the crest of the alveolar ridge, the distance between the lateral wall of the PSAA and the medial wall of the maxillary sinus, presence of septa and pathology were evaluated. Results: PSAA was detected 86.5% in the right, and 84.5% in the left side. Intraosseous PSAA was the most common variant (50% on the right, and 51.5% on the left). The mean distances between the PSAA and the alveolar crest were 17.80±3.59 mm on the right and 17.83±3.61 mm on the left side. No significant correlation was found between age and the diameter of the PSAA. (r=0.09, p=0.213 on right side, r=0.08, p=0.294 on left side). Conclusion: CBCT cross-sectional analysis shows a high prevalence of PSAA. Through careful examination on available CBCT images, potential vascular damage around the maxillary sinus can be prevented.