Anatomical study of the maxillary sinus: which characteristics can influence its volume?

PURPOSE: To investigate whether there is a relationship between the volume of the maxillary sinus and individual parameters such as gender, side, posterior tooth absence, sinus membrane thickening, bony septa, vertical and sagittal skeletal patterns. METHODS: The tomographic volume of the maxillary sinus from 211 individuals (422 sides) was evaluated using Horos DICOM Viewer Software. Bony septa and sinus membrane thickening were classified as absent or present. At the same time, loss of one or more teeth in the posterior region of the maxilla (except for the third molars) was considered. The t test was applied to analyze maxillary sinus volume according to gender, age, side, posterior tooth absence, sinus membrane thickening and bony septa. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukey's post-hoc test was applied to compare sagittal and vertical patterns. Pearson's correlation coefficient was also used to verify the association between maxillary sinus volume, age and skeletal patterns. RESULTS: Concerning the sagittal skeletal pattern, a statistically significant difference was observed between Classes II and III (p = 0.05) and it was confirmed by the Pearson's correlation coefficient (r = - 0.107/p = 0.029). No statistically significant differences were observed between the maxillary sinus volume according to gender (p = 0.06), side (p = 0.37), posterior tooth absence (p = 0.92), sinus membrane thickening (p = 0.47), bony septa (0.89) and vertical skeletal pattern (p = 0.67). No significant differences were observed with age (r = - 0.076/p = 0.109) and the vertical skeletal pattern (r = - 0.078/p = 0.108). CONCLUSION: Maxillary sinus volume was influenced by the sagittal skeletal pattern and was higher in Class III individuals.

Avaliação clínica, radiográfica e tomográfica de fraturas radiculares: série de casos / Clinical, radiographic and tomographic evaluation of root fractures: case series

Introdução: o diagnóstico de fratura radicular é difícil, pois não há sinais/sintomas clínicos e características radiográficas patognomônicas, podendo ser confundido com um insucesso no tratamento endodôntico e até mesmo com doença periodontal. Objetivo: descrever as características clínicas, radiográficas e tomográficas em dentes com suspeita de fratura radicular. Métodos: a amostra foi composta por seis indivíduos cujos dados clínicos foram coletados, realizados testes de percussão vertical e horizontal, verificando se o dente apresentava mobilidade dentária e bolsa periodontal. Achados radiográficos e tomográficos foram avaliados em relação à presença de fratura radicular e de lesão periapical e/ou perda óssea associada ao terço apical/lateral da raiz para se obter o diagnóstico complementar da fratura radicular. Resultados: os achados clínicos mais prevalentes foram percussões vertical e horizontal positivos seguidos de dor e mobilidade. Os exames por imagem evidenciaram que todos os casos de suspeita de fratura radicular estavam relacionados a dentes com pino metálico. Em apenas um caso, não foi possível visualizar a lesão periapical e/ou perda óssea e a fratura na radiografia periapical, sendo detectadas nas imagens tomográficas. Conclusões: os achados clínicos de suspeita de fraturas radiculares são muito variáveis, necessitando correlacioná-los com exames de imagem. A TCFC se mostrou mais eficaz que a radiografia periapical na detecção da linha de fratura, porém esses dois exames podem ser utilizados para complementar o exame clínico e alcançar um diagnóstico mais acurado..

Introduction: the diagnosis of dental fracture is usually difficult because there are no pathognomonic clinical signs/symptoms and radiographic characteristics, and may be mistaken for failure of endodontic treatment and even periodontal disease. Purpose: to describe clinical, radiographic and tomographic characteristics in teeth with suspected root fracture. Methods: the sample consisted of 06 individuals and their clinical data were collected. Vertical and horizontal percussion tests were performed, verifying tooth mobility and periodontal pocket. In relation to radiographic and tomographic findings, the presence of root fracture and periapical lesion and/or bone loss associated with the apical/lateral third of the root were evaluated in order to obtain the diagnosis of root fracture. Results: the most prevalent clinical findings were positive vertical and horizontal percussions followed by pain and mobility. Imaging tests showed that all cases of suspected root fracture were related to teeth with metallic post. In only one case, it was not possible to visualize the periapical lesion and/or bone loss and fracture in the periapical radiography, being detected in tomographic images. It`s possible to conclude with the analysis of some clinical cases that cone-beam computed tomography favors accuracy and precision regarding the visualization, location and extension of root fracture, as well as periapical alterations. Conclusions: the clinical findings of suspected root fractures are very variable, requiring to correlate them with imaging exams. The CBCT was more effective than the periapical radiography in the detection of the fracture line, but these two exams can be used to complement the clinical examination and reach a more accurate diagnosis.