The incidence, location, and height of maxillary sinus septa in the edentulous and dentate maxilla.
OBJECTIVE
This study evaluated the incidence, location, and height of antral septa and demonstrates their clinical implications.


METHODS
One hundred ninety-four maxillary posterior regions, subdivided into four groups (group 1, 61 clinically examined atrophic ridges; group 2, 41 anatomically examined atrophic ridges; group 3, 42 radiographically [CT] examined atrophic ridges; and group 4, 50 CT examined dentate maxillary ridges), were examined for the incidence, location, and height of antral septa.


RESULTS
The incidence of antral septa was significantly greater (P<.01) in atrophic edentulous regions (groups 1, 2, and 3) than in dentate regions (group 4). However, the septa were much lower (P<.01). In atrophic maxillae, about 70% of antral septa were located in the anterior (premolar) region.


CONCLUSIONS
Antral septa are more commonly found in edentulous atrophic maxillae than in dentate maxillae. The septae in edentulous atrophic maxillae are shorter than those found in dentate maxillae. When present, maxillary sinus septae are more common anteriorly than posteriorly. CT scanning is the preferred radiographic method for detecting the presence (or absence) of sinus septae. Panoramic radiography has less sensitivity and specificity than CT scanning for the detection of sinus septa.
Krennmair
G
G
University of Vienna, School of Dentistry, Austria.
Ulm
C W
CW
Lugmayr
H
H
Solar
P
P
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016301:Alveolar Bone Loss / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007575:Jaw, Edentulous / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008443:Maxillary Sinus / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D013516:Oral Surgical Procedures, Preprosthetic; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed