Maxillary sinus pneumatization after maxillary molar extraction assessed with cone beam computed tomography

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to examine the inferior expansion of the maxillary sinus floor following maxillary molar extraction. Materials and Methods : Cone beam computed tomographic images of 59 subjects were used to evaluate the height difference of the maxillary sinus floor between extraction sites and contralateral dentate sites. The height of the maxillary sinus floor was defined as the vertical distance to the Frankfort plane from the level of the anterior nasal spine to the most inferior point of the sinus floor. We examined the difference in sinus pneumatization according to the number of missing teeth and the vertical relationship of the molar roots to the sinus floor. Results : The inferior expansion of the maxillary sinus floor was on the maxillary first molar and on the maxillary second molar. Increased expansion was observed in cases where two proximate molars were extracted. There was no significant difference in sinus pneumatization following extraction according to the vertical relationship of the molar roots to the sinus floor. Conclusion : The results of this study confirm that sinus pneumatization occurs following maxillary molar extraction. In situations where pneumatization can affect treatment after molar extraction, three-dimensional radiography should be considered.