Maxillary sinus dimensions with respect to the posterior superior alveolar artery decrease with tooth loss

Abstract

Background: The posterior superior alveolar (PSA) artery is frequently encountered in the area where the lateral osteotomy is performed during direct sinus augmentation procedures. Objective: To investigate the correlation between patient-dependent variables and measurements related to PSA using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) data. Methods: Three hundred ninety-four CBCT scans were evaluated to assess the PSA artery diameter and distances to the sinus floor and to alveolar crest. Patient's age, gender, and edentulism status were recorded. Results: The PSA artery tends to be wider in older patients. Distances to the sinus floor or the alveolar crest tend to be shorter in women and in partially and completely edentulous patients. Also, as those distances decrease, the mediolateral width of the sinus increases. Conclusion: Tooth loss leads to maxillary sinus vertical collapse with respect to the PSA artery. The position of the artery is stable; so, the mediolateral dimensions at different heights from the floor increase. Practical implications: The reduced distances from the PSA to the sinus floor and the alveolar crest in edentulous patients potentially increase the risk of injury during maxillary sinus lift. Additionally, when the distance to the sinus floor decreases, the mediolateral dimensions of the sinus at different heights increase, which may complicate the technique and challenge the outcomes.