Preoperative evaluation of maxillary sinus anatomy is very important to avoid surgical complications due to close anatomical relations between the sinus and the posterior maxillary teeth and/or edentulous alveolar ridge. Posterior superior alveolar artery is a branch of the maxillary artery and provides the vascularization of the lateral sinus wall and underlying mucosa. Maxillary artery branches should be taken into consideration during sinus lifting procedures and bone augmentation due to increased risk of bleeding by damaging the artery during the osteotomy. Computed tomography (CT) explores three-dimensional anatomic structures and provides complex and accurate information about them. Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) offers an accurate view of the teeth and surrounding structures at high resolution, despite low-dose radiation used. In this study, the incidence of anatomical variations and sinus pathology were assessed using CBCT. The aim is to evaluate the presence of sinus pathology (sinus mucosal thickening, oro-antral communications, sinus tumors, cysts, polyps), presence and position of the posterior superior alveolar artery. These issues are important because they are about the limits of the dental implants in the posterior maxillary area. The presence of sinus pathology and anatomical variations may predispose to complications and even failures of implantation therapy.
Preoperative evaluation of aortic calcification by computed tomography in thoracic aortic disease