The use of digital periapical radiographs to study the prevalence of alveolar domes.
OBJECTIVE
In the present study, we coined the term 'alveolar dome' and aimed to demonstrate the prevalence of alveolar domes through digital periapical radiographs.


METHODS
This study examined 800 digital periapical radiographs in regard to the presence of alveolar domes. The periapical radiographs were acquired by a digital system using a photostimulable phosphor (PSP) plate. The χ(2) test, with a significance level of 5%, was used to compare the prevalence of alveolar domes in the maxillary posterior teeth and, considering the same teeth, to verify the difference in the prevalence of dome-shaped phenomena between the roots.


RESULTS
The prevalence of alveolar domes present in the first pre-molars was statistically lower as compared to the other maxillary posterior teeth (p<0.05). No statistically significant difference was observed in the prevalence of alveolar domes between the maxillary first and second molars. Considering the maxillary first and second molars, it was observed that the palatal root presented a lower prevalence of alveolar domes when compared to the distobuccal and mesiobuccal roots (p<0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The present study coined the term 'alveolar dome', referring to the anatomical projection of the root into the floor of the maxillary sinus. The maxillary first and second molars presented a greater prevalence of alveolar domes, especially in the buccal roots, followed by the third molars and second pre-molars. Although the periapical radiograph is a two-dimensional method, it can provide dentists with the auxiliary information necessary to identify alveolar domes, thus improving diagnosis, planning, and treatment.
Department of Oral Radiology, School of Dentistry, Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
Pedro Augusto Oliveira Santos
PA
Xambre
Department of Oral Radiology, School of Dentistry, Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
Claudia Scigliano
CS
Valerio
Department of Oral Radiology, School of Dentistry, Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
Claudia Assunção
CA
E Alves Cardoso
Department of Oral Radiology, School of Dentistry, Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
Antônio Luís Neto
AL
Custódio
Department of Oral Radiology, School of Dentistry, Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
Flávio Ricardo
FR
Manzi
Maxillary Sinus; Prevalence; Radiography, Dental, Digital; Tooth Root
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