Evaluation of Bone Thickness and Density Values in Resistance Regions in Rapid Maxillary Expansion Using Computed Tomography.

OBJECTIVES: This study used computed tomography (CT) to compare the bone thickness and density values around the zygomaticomaxillary, zygomaticotemporal, and pterygomaxillary sutures that are resistant to rapid maxillary expansion (RME) treatment according to age, sex, and cervical vertebrae maturation (CVM) stage. METHODS: The study included 200 paranasal sinus records obtained for medical diagnosis and examination in a radiology clinic. The records provided data on 110 males and 90 females aged between 4 and 28 years. Bone thickness and density values around the zygomaticomaxillary, zygomaticotemporal, and pterygomaxillary sutures were measured using CT imaging. The correlations of bone thickness and density values with the variables of age, sex, and CVM stage were evaluated. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was revealed between the bone thickness values around the zygomaticomaxillary and zygomaticotemporal sutures and age, sex, CVM stage, and the right and left regions of the same individual ( P >0.05). A strong correlation was identified between Hounsfield units (Hu) values on bone density in all 3 regions and age and sex ( P <0.001). No correlation was found between the CVM stage and density values around the zygomaticomaxillary, zygomaticotemporal, and pterygomaxillary sutures ( P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The Hu values of the records from females were higher than those of males in all age groups. It was observed that with increasing age, bone density values increased in all 3 regions, and thus circummaxillary region's Hu value increased.

Is the maxillary sinus volume affected by concha bullosa, nasal septal deviation, and impacted teeth? A CBCT study.

PURPOSE: Various mechanisms play an important role in the growth of maxillary sinus cavities. The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlations of maxillary sinus volume (MSV) with nasal septal deviation (NSD), concha bullosa (CB) and impacted teeth using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. METHODS: From 55 patients, a total of 110 maxillary sinus images were obtained and examined. Data including age, gender, impacted third molar, canine teeth, NSD, and CB were examined. MSV was measured using the MIMICS software (Materialise HQ Technologielaan, Leuven, Belgium). All statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 21) software and p values < 0.05 were considered to indicate statistical significance. RESULTS: Mean volume of the right maxillary sinus was 13.566 cm3, while the left was 13.882 cm3. The rate of patients with right and left impacted third molar teeth was 49.1% and 47.3%, respectively. The rate of right and left impacted canines was 1.8% and 5.5%, respectively. NSD was found in 56.4% of CBCT examinations and right and left CB were observed in 30.9% and 32.7% of the patients' examinations, respectively. Males had a significantly higher mean sinus volume than females for both sides (p < 0.05). There were no significant correlations between MSV and age (p > 0.05). No significant differences were found between MSV and impacted teeth, NSD and CB (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: NSD, CB, impacted teeth, and age were not found to be related to MSV. Gender had an effect on MSV and males had higher mean sinus volume than females.