Comparison of panoramic radiography and cone beam computed tomography for assessing the relationship between the maxillary sinus floor and maxillary molars

Purpose: This study compared panoramic radiography and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) for evaluating the relationship between the maxillary sinus floor and the roots of maxillary molars. Materials and Methods: Paired panoramic radiographs and CBCT images from 97 subjects were analysed. This analysis classified 388 maxillary molars according to their relationship to the maxillary sinus floor on panoramic radiograph and CBCT. Correlations between these two radiographic techniques were examined. Results: Maxillary molar roots that were separate from the sinus floor showed the same classification in 100% of the cases when using these two imaging techniques. The corresponding percentage for such roots that were in contact with the sinus floor was 75%. When roots overlapped the maxillary sinus floor on panoramic radiographs, only 26.4% of maxillary first molars and 60.0% of second molars showed protrusion of roots into the sinus with CBCT. Conclusion : The results of the study suggest that roots projecting into the sinus on panoramic radiographs require a three-dimensional image in order to analyze the proximity of their apex to the sinus floor. (Korean J Oral Maxillofac Radiol2009; 39 : 69-73)