title: Characteristics and dimensions of the Schneiderian membrane: a radiographic analysis using cone beam computed tomography in patients referred for dental implant surgery in the posterior maxilla.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the dimensions of the Schneiderian membrane using limited cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in individuals referred for dental implant surgery, and to determine factors influencing the mucosal thickness.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study included 143 consecutive patients referred for dental implant placement in the posterior maxilla. A total of 168 CBCT images were taken using a limited field of view of 4 × 4 cm, 6 × 6 cm, or 8 × 8 cm. Reformatted coronal CBCT slices were analyzed with regard to the thickness and characteristics of the Schneiderian membrane in nine standardized points of reference. Factors such as age, gender, or status of the remaining dentition that could influence the dimensions of the Schneiderian membrane were evaluated using univariate and multivariate linear regression models.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The thickness of the Schneiderian membrane exhibited a wide range, with a minimum value of 0.16 mm and a maximum value of 34.61 mm. The highest mean values, ranging from 2.16 to 3.11 mm, were found for the mucosa located in the mid-sagittal regions of the maxillary sinus. The most frequent mucosal findings diagnosed were flat thickenings of the Schneiderian membrane (62 positive findings, 37%). For the multivariate linear regression model, only gender had a statistically significant influence on the mean overall and mid-sagittal thickness of the sinus mucosa.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is great interindividual variability in the thickness of the Schneiderian membrane. Gender seems to be the most important parameter influencing mucosal thickness in asymptomatic patients. Future studies are needed to assess the therapeutic and prognostic consequences of mucosal alterations in the maxillary sinus.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Surgery and Stomatology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Simone F M
authors.initials: SF
authors.lastname: Janner
authors.forename: Marco D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Caversaccio
authors.forename: Patrick
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Dubach
authors.forename: Pedram
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sendi
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Buser
authors.forename: Michael M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Bornstein
mesh_terms: D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography / Q000379:methods*; D003757:Dental Implantation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007576:Jaw, Edentulous, Partially / Q000534:rehabilitation; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008437:Maxilla / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D010347:Patient Care Planning