Frequency, location and size of maxillary sinus septa on CBCT images in adult patients in Isfahan

The maxillary sinus septa are a major problem in sinus lift procedures, resulting in an increase in sinus membrane perforation. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency, location and size of maxillary sinus septa on CBCT images in an adult population.
In this descriptive-analytical study, CBCT images of 75 patients >18 years of age were evaluated. Then the frequency, location and size of maxillary sinus septa were determined. The patients were divided into three groups (n=25) based on the number of teeth: posterior complete edentulism, posterior partial edentulism and posterior complete dentition. The images were evaluated in terms of the location of septa in three areas: the anterior (premolar region), middle (distal to the second premolar to distal to the second molar) and posterior (distal to the second molar). The septa sizes and locations were evaluated using Ondemand 3D software program. Data were analyzed with ANOVA and chi-squared, McNemar and Kruskal-Wallis tests (α = 0.05).
In 150 maxillary sinuses, CBCT images showed 86 septa (57.3%). Most septa (53%) were located in the middle region of maxillary sinuses. Sinus septa were present in 30% of posterior totally edentulous subjects, 37% of posterior partially edentulous subjects and 33% of patients dentate in the posterior region, with no significant differences between the three groups (p value = 0.37). The mean height of the septa was 5.9±3.6 mm.
Most septa were located in the middle region of maxillary sinuses, with no statistically significant differences between the three groups. CBCT might provide useful information during sinus lift procedures, considering wide anatomic variations in the frequency, size, location and morphology of maxillary sinus septa.