Association between Cone-Beam Computed Tomography and Histological and Immunohistochemical Features in Periapical Lesions Correlated with Thickened Maxillary Sinus Mucosa

Extent of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery for Odontogenic Sinusitis of Endodontic Origin with Ethmoid and Frontal Sinus Involvement

Background/Objectives: Odontogenic sinusitis (ODS) is the most common cause of unilateral maxillary sinus opacification. Initial treatment consists of intranasal steroids and antimicrobial therapy. In case of persistence of the disease, endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is advised. It is still not clear what extension of ESS is required and whether frontal sinusotomy or ethmoidectomy is justified in ODS with frontal sinus involvement. Methods: Adult patients presented with uncomplicated recalcitrant bacterial ODS due to endodontic-related dental pathology were evaluated by an otolaryngologist and a dentist and scheduled for ESS. Sinus CT scan demonstrated opacification of maxillary sinus and partial or complete opacification of extramaxillary sinuses ipsilateral to the side of ODS. Patients were undergoing either maxillary antrostomy, antroethmoidectomy, or antroethmofrontostomy. Preoperative and postoperative evaluations were done with nasal endoscopy, dental examination, subjective and radiological symptoms. Results: The study group consisted of 30 patients. Statistically significant decreases in values after surgery were found for SNOT-22, OHIP-14, Lund-Mackay, Lund-Kennedy, and Zinreich scale. Tooth pain was present in 40% cases during the first visit and in 10% during the follow-up visit. Foul smell was initially reported by 73.3% and by one patient during follow-up visit (3.3%). Significantly longer total recovery time and more crusting was marked for antroethmofrontostomy when compared to maxillary antrostomy. Conclusions: ESS resolved ODS with ethmoid and frontal involvement in almost every case. Minimal surgery led to improved overall clinical success in the same way as antroethmofrontostomy without risking the frontal recess scarring and stenosis.

Incidence of Maxillary Sinus Disorders in Dental Patients Undergoing Cone-Beam Computed Tomography: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study

Background Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was quickly adopted in dentistry settings due to its compact size, low cost, and minimal ionizing radiation dose when compared to medical computed tomography. CBCT generates three-dimensional (3D) images that are useful in a variety of oral and maxillofacial circumstances, including diagnosis and assessment of disease severity, treatment planning and delivery, and follow-up. A significant advantage of CBCT lies in its capability to recognize incidental findings. In the realm of dental CBCT imaging, incidental findings often involve the maxillary sinuses, temporomandibular joints, or other craniofacial structures. Objective  To demonstrate the incidental findings of maxillary sinus disorders in dental patients undergoing CBCT for numerous indications. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out using data extracted from the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) of Pure Smile Dental Center and Dental College Teaching Hospitals in the Jazan region from September to December 2022. The study sample included a total of 70 patients who underwent orthodontics CBCT, most of whom were female (76%). Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 27 (IBM Corp., Armonk, USA), along with descriptive statistics. Furthermore, chi-square tests and cross-tabulation were done to assess the relation between the study variables. A p-value <0.01 and <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The most common dental CBCT findings were root invasion (18.6%), followed by gingivitis (7.14%), and dental caries (4.29%). Of the 70 patients, 42 (60%) had maxillary sinus findings, including opacification (50%), sinusitis (40%), mucosal thickening (34.3%), and polyps (7.1%). Female patients had more frequency of incidental findings related to males (41.43% and 18.57%, respectively). Conclusion A high percentage of dental patients exhibited incidental maxillary sinus findings in CBCT scans, confirming the utility of CBCT as a precise imaging method for detecting paranasal sinus disorders. A holistic documentation of incidental findings is crucial for improving patient outcomes and treatment plans.

Which types of bony changes in the maxillary sinus indicate chronic sinusitis?

OBJECTIVES

To determine which types of bone lesion (spicules, lobules, porous bone) in the maxillary sinus indicate sinusitis METHODS: Subadjacent dental disease is a cause of maxillary sinusitis; if a lesion type indicates sinusitis it should be more common above diseased posterior maxillary teeth than a lesion type that is not indicative of sinusitis. The study sample is a British Mediaeval human skeletal collection.

RESULTS

Porous bone lesions (chiefly new bone deposits) in maxillary sinuses are associated with subadjacent dental disease; spicules/lobules of bone in the sinus are not.

CONCLUSIONS

The results support the idea that porous lesions indicate sinusitis but the spicules/lobules may not. Spicules, lobules and porous lesions within the maxillary sinus should be analysed separately in biocultural studies; it would be prudent to regard only the porous lesions as indicative of sinusitis.

SIGNIFICANCE

Maxillary sinusitis is commonly used as a health indicator in palaeopathology, and spicular deposits are generally the most common type of alterations. By assuming that they are indicative of sinusitis we may have been greatly overestimating the prevalence of bony sinusitis in the past.

LIMITATIONS

These conclusions are provisional. Further work on larger, more diverse samples, together with more detailed anatomical studies on lesion location and structure is ongoing.

Evaluation of Maxillary Sinus Septa Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT): A Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND

Maxillary sinus septa, which are bony structures dividing the sinus cavity, can pose challenges during sinus lift or implant surgeries by potentially causing perforation of the Schneiderian membrane. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence, height, location, orientation, and risk of perforation of the maxillary sinus septa using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective, cross-sectional study utilized CBCT (NewTom CBCT machine, of which the scan parameters were 90 KvP, 8 mAs, and 14 s exposure with a field of view (FOV) of 8×8 cm and a 0.2 mm3 voxel size) images of 300 maxillary sinuses from patients aged >18 years, obtained from Swami Devi Dyal Hospital and Dental College in Panchkula, India. Scans were analyzed for the presence, height, location, orientation, and risk of septal perforation. The data were categorized based on age, sex, and dentition status. Statistical analyses were performed to assess the prevalence, configuration, and risk factors.

RESULTS

The prevalence of maxillary sinus septa was 21.33%, with the majority showing a single septum (90.63%). Septa were predominantly found in the middle region (48.44%), with bucco-palatal orientation (93.75%) being more common than anteroposterior. The mean septa height was 6.16 mm. The perforation was classified as moderate (48.4%), low (46.8%), or high (4.6%). Class III septa were associated with the highest risk of perforation.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights a significant prevalence of maxillary sinus septa with variations in height, orientation, and location. The risk of perforation varies with the septa configuration and orientation. CBCT is essential for identifying these anatomical features to minimize surgical complications and to guide preoperative planning.

Endo-Periodontal Lesions-An Overlooked Etiology of Odontogenic Sinusitis

The aim of this study was to analyze the oral etiology of patients with odontogenic sinusitis (ODS) and to compare the differences in demographic data, clinical symptoms, extent of sinus involvement, bone penetration of the maxillary sinus floor (MSF) between different etiologies. A retrospective investigation was conducted on 103 patients with ODS recruited from Beijing TongRen Hospital. All enrolled patients underwent sinus CT, nasal endoscopy, and oral examination. A comparison of the patients' clinical symptoms, the extent of involvement of the sinuses, and bone resorption of the MSF according to odontogenic etiologies was conducted. Follow-up was based on symptoms and clinical examination. The most common odontogenic etiologies were endo-periodontal lesions (EPLs, 49.5%), apical periodontitis (AP, 32.0%), and periodontitis (PE, 8.7%). There were statistically significant differences in age (p = 0.002), sex (p = 0.036), inflammation involving the ethmoid sinus (p = 0.037), and bone penetration of the MSF (p < 0.001) between the AP, EPL, and PE groups. There were no significant differences in sinusitis symptoms (p > 0.005) among patients with different odontogenic etiologies. In conclusion, EPL is a neglected oral etiology with a destructive effect on the bone of the MSF, which deserves more attention in diagnosis and treatment.

Prevalence of Incidental Maxillary Sinus Anomalies on CBCT Scans: A Radiographic Study

CBCT significantly impacts dental procedures and has brought significant reforms to our approach to diagnosis and treatment planning despite its limitations in differentiating soft tissues. It is an excellent imaging modality and quickly identifies sinus opacification and provides valuable insight into paranasal sinus pathologies, with considerably lower radiation exposure. The present study aimed to investigate the occurrence of maxillary sinus abnormalities in CBCT scans, identify the frequency, type, and location of these findings, and find the correlation between the distance of periapical lesions and radiographic changes in the maxillary sinus. Two examiners independently evaluated 117 patients to diagnose and classify the cases into different abnormality subtypes. The periapical lesions most closely related to the sinus were recorded. The diameters of the left and right maxillary sinus ostium and the distance of the ostium's lower border to the sinus's osseous floor were recorded. The findings were correlated with the age and gender of these patients. The present study reveals that sixty-one patients were diagnosed with mucosal thickening (52.1%). The sinus wall most affected by mucosal thickening was the maxillary sinus floor, followed by the medial and lateral walls. Of 19 patients with periapical lesions, 15 had maxillary sinus mucosal thickening, which is statistically significant (p = 0.004). The high occurrence of abnormalities in the maxillary sinus emphasizes the importance for the radiologist to comprehensively interpret the whole volume acquired in CBCT images, including the entire sinus. Incidental findings may be considered in the individual clinical context of signs and symptoms, reducing the risk of overestimating the real impact of radiographic findings.

Global Prevalence of Maxillary Sinusitis of Odontogenic Origin and Associated Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

INTRODUCTION

The overall prevalence of maxillary sinusitis of odontogenic origin (MSOO) is still unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of MSOO and verify associations between different odontogenic conditions and MSOO.

METHODS

Six electronic databases and the gray literature were searched on August 25, 2022. Two independent reviewers selected observational studies reporting the prevalence of MSOO and associated conditions in adults. Studies that did not use computed tomography for diagnosis were excluded. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Cross-Sectional Studies. Data were analyzed by proportion and association meta-analyses. The certainty of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight studies were included in the qualitative analysis and thirty-one in the meta-analyses. Only 12 studies (31.6%) fulfilled all items of the methodological quality checklist. Overall, the studies reported prevalence measures per maxillary sinus or patient. Thus, the pooled prevalence of MSOO was 51% per sinus (95% confidence interval [CI] [40%-61%]) and 50% per patient (95% CI [41%-59%]). Apical lesion (odds ratio [OR]: 4.03, 95% CI [2.26-7.19]), periodontitis (OR: 5.49, 95% CI [2.27-13.24]), moderate (OR: 2.57, 95% CI [1.85-3.57]) and severe bone loss (OR: 13.80, 95% CI [2.81-67.85] were significantly associated with MSOO. The certainty of the evidence for the associations was very low.

CONCLUSIONS

The pooled prevalence of MSOO on computed tomography assessment was 51% per maxillary sinus and 50% per patient. Therefore, half of the maxillary sinusitis may be of odontogenic origin. Apical lesion, periodontitis, and moderate and severe bone loss were significantly associated with MSOO.

The Influence of Endodontic Lesions on The Clinical Evolution of Odontogenic Sinusitis-A Cohort Study

Endodontic disease with formation of periapical lesions (PALs) is one of the most common causes of chronic odontogenic sinusitis (ODS). It requires close collaboration between otolaryngologists and dentists, but the best sequence of management is still unknown. The aim of the present study is to clarify how radiological characteristics of teeth with PALs and previous root-canal treatment (RCT) influence the clinical evolution of the disease and to define the predictive value of its radiological and endoscopic features in determining the need for further surgical intervention. A total of 68 symptomatic patients with ODS with PALs were included in the study. The evaluation was performed by an otolaryngologist and a dentist based on a medical interview, nasal endoscopy, cold pulp testing and tomography images. Patients were prospectively followed for at least 12 months, during which nasal steroids, saline irrigations and RCT were administered. The criteria of disease improvement were: decrease of symptoms, healed sinonasal mucosa in endoscopy and radiological resolution of periapical radiolucency and sinus inflammation. Results showed that 9 (13%) patients improved after conservative treatment and 59 (87%) required further surgical intervention. Patients who improved after medical treatment and RCT were younger (p = 0.043) and had a greater distance from the top of the periapical lesion to the maxillary sinus' floor (p = 0.003). When expansion of PALs and bone destruction toward the maxillary sinus was observed on radiological imaging (p = 0.041), and when more than one tooth root was affected (p = 0.004), patients were more likely to require surgical intervention. In conclusion, the more roots that are affected and the closer the top of the PAL is to the maxillary sinus' floor, the greater the possibility of medical treatment and RCT failure. When the bone destruction extends into the maxillary sinus, patients eventually require both tooth extraction and FESS in order to resolve ODS completely.

Assessment of Bone Height Changes Based on the Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Following Intentional Replantation for Periodontally Compromised Teeth

Background and Objectives; This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes and bone changes before and after intentional replantation (IR) for periodontally compromised teeth by using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods; Fourteen periodontally involved teeth were selected for IR. A preoperative orthodontic procedure was performed to apply luxation, and the tooth was then gently extracted. Retrograde filling of the root-end canal was performed. Once the tooth was repositioned in the socket, it was splinted with the adjacent tooth. After three months, prosthetic restoration was performed. Results; Clinical parameters and CBCT images were obtained before and after the IR procedure. The height of the alveolar bone was measured on the CBCT images by using software. Most preoperative symptoms, including pain, mobility, probing depth (PD) and bleeding on probing (BOP), significantly decreased after IR (pain: 4.71 to 1.00; mobility: 1.36 to 0.29; PD: 5.60 to 2.85; BOP: 3.50 to 0.79). CBCT analysis indicated an increase in bone height after IR (the amount of change: maxilla, 4.00; mandible, 1.95). Conclusions; A previous study reported that IR for periodontally involved teeth is quite limited. However, in this study, IR of periodontally compromised teeth showed favorable results in clinical and radiographic evaluations, suggesting that IR may be an alternative to extraction of teeth with periodontal disease.

Custom-Made Direct Metal Laser Sintering Titanium Subperiosteal Implants in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery for Severe Bone-Deficient Patients—A Pilot Study

Background: Nowadays, a combination of classical subperiosteal implant designs with 3D imaging and printing allows one to reduce treatment time and provides support for fixed prostheses in cases where other techniques do not provide satisfactory results. This study aims to present a digital technique for the manufacturing of custom-made subperiosteal implants and what complications might appear after this type of surgery. Methods: Sixteen patients treated with a custom-made DMLS titanium subperiosteal implant during the period between October 2021 and February 2022 were enrolled in the study. Orthopantomography (OPT) and cone-beam computer tomography (CBCT) were recorded for all patients. The measurements taken into account in this study were the fit and stability of implants, duration of surgery, implant survival, and early and late complications. Results: The fit of the implants was extremely satisfactory, with a mean rating of 4 out of 5. The mean duration of the intervention was 86.18 min. At the end of the study, one implant was lost due to insufficient fit and recurrent, untreatable infections. Eleven implants (69%) were placed on the maxillary and five (31%) implants were placed on the mandible. Conclusions: Taking this into consideration, custom-made DMLS titanium subperiosteal implants could present satisfactory implant survival and low complication rates.

Odontogenic Sinusitis: From Diagnosis to Treatment Possibilities-A Narrative Review of Recent Data

The maxillary sinus is a structure at the border of specialties: otorhinolaryngology and maxillofacial surgery. Due to this fact, regarding etiology, it can be affected by both the rhinogenic and odontogenic path and can impose diagnostic difficulties. The etiopathogenic mechanisms that can affect the Schneiderian membrane are mainly inflammatory, iatrogenic, traumatic, and tumorous in nature. From a microbiological point of view, the bacteriology is polymorphic, including both aerobic and anaerobic species in acute OS, the predominating species in acute OS being aerobic, and in chronic anaerobic germs. The role of fungi in the determination of this pathology and in the production of the biofilm that leads to resistance to antibiotic treatment is also discussed. The present paper aims to present the etiopathogenesis, bacteriology, clinical manifestations, as well as treatment of odontogenic sinusitis (OS) from an updated perspective through reviewing the literature. If unilateral maxillary sinusitis is usually due to odontogenic causes, this does not clinically exclude the possibility of strictly rhinogenic causes in the occurrence of sinusitis. This underlines the important role of complex oral and rhinological clinical examination as well as the role of preclinical examinations in specifying the certainty diagnosis. Simple radiography, orthopantomography, CT, and CBCT are compared in terms of diagnostic accuracy. The treatment of OS is complex, involving medication, dental, and surgical measures. The value of endoscopic surgery is emphasized, comparing its advantages over the classic Caldwell-Luc technique.