The significance of the maxillary sinus volume for planning subantral augmentation and dental implantation (part II)

When planning implant surgery, preceded by sinus lift, it is necessary to study the anatomical and topographic features of the maxillary sinus, specifically its volume, shape, type of pneumatization, the presence of internal bony septa in the sinus floor, and the volume of bone tissue located above the apices of the maxillary teeth.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the volume of the maxillary sinus in men and women of different age groups depending on the composition of the dentition by sectioning skeletonized skulls. A total of 254 certified skulls were examined. Subjects were divided into age groups (25–34, 35–44, 45–54, 55–64, 65 years and older) and groups based on the presence and/or absence of chewing teeth, excluding third molars.

Research methodology: The 254 skeletonized skulls studied were also divided into three groups: the first included 48 skulls with premolars and molars; the second included 148 skulls with at least one missing premolar and/or molar; and the third included 58 skulls with no premolars or molars. A window was cut into the anterior wall of the sinus in the fossa canina region using a micromotor and a carbide bur to better visualize the internal surface of the maxillary sinus. The width, depth, and height of the maxillary sinus were measured, and the volume of the maxillary sinus was then calculated. Cone-beam computed tomography of the skeletonized skulls was also performed, along with measurements of the width, depth, and height of the sinus and a calculation of its volume.

Results of determining the average maxillary sinus volume on dry specimens showed that the largest sinus volume was also observed in men aged 55-64 years, while the smallest was observed in men aged 45–54 years in all three groups, depending on the presence and/or absence of molars in the upper jaw. The sinus volume on the right was larger than on the left in most cases. The loss of molars increases the volume of the maxillary sinus.