Anatomical Variations and Tomographic Findings of the Maxillary Sinus Evaluated by Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)

Abstract

Anatomical variations and tomographic findings of the maxillary sinus are of great clinical relevance, especially in dental procedures, due to their influence on diagnosis, treatment planning, and prognosis. The aim of this study was to describe the anatomical variations and tomographic findings of the maxillary sinus evaluated using Cone Beam Computed Tomography scans from the Luis Vallejos Santoni University Stomatological Center. A descriptive, non-experimental, retrospective, cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach was conducted. The population consisted of 667 Cone Beam Computed Tomography scans. The sample included 191 tomographic scans that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, corresponding to 382 evaluated maxillary sinuses. Non-probabilistic convenience sampling was used, and the technique employed was direct observation of tomographic images. Class III pneumatization was identified as the most frequent finding (39.3%), followed by the presence of septa (34.8%), mucous retention pseudocysts (25.4%), exostoses (4.2%), and hypoplasia (1%). The findings were more frequent in the age group between 32 and 50 years and in female patients. Regarding the hemiarch, exostosis, pseudocysts, and pneumatization predominated on the left side, whereas septa were more frequent on the right side. According to dental conditions, the findings were more common in partially dentate patients. Anatomical variations of the maxillary sinus were frequent in the studied population, with Class III pneumatization and the presence of septa being the most prevalent. Additionally, a significant frequency of mucous retention pseudocysts was identified as an incidental tomographic finding. Cone Beam Computed Tomography proved to be a reliable diagnostic tool for identifying these characteristics and significantly contributing to safer preoperative planning, particularly in dental implantology and oral surgery.