# Maxillary Sinus Findings Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography Among Patients Visiting a Dental School in Kerala: A Retrospective Study

## TL;DR

This study used dental imaging to find that maxillary sinus issues are more common in women and linked to dental problems like cavities and gum disease.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the prevalence of maxillary sinus mucosal thickening in relation to dental conditions and demographics.

## Key findings

- Maxillary sinus mucosal thickening was more prevalent in females (50.34%) than males (49.6%).
- The highest prevalence of mucosal thickening occurred in the 31-50 age group (40.68%).
- Dental caries and periodontal disease were notably associated with maxillary sinus mucosal thickening.

## Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to determine how common maxillary sinus (MS) abnormalities are and how they relate to demographics such as age and gender using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). It also sought to explore whether these sinus changes occur more frequently in patients with dental caries, periodontal disease, or both.

Methods and Materials: In this retrospective study, 170 CBCT scans showing MS mucosal thickening (MT) were selected from a larger group of 770 images. Twenty-five images were excluded due to poor diagnostic quality or because the patients were edentulous.

Results: The data revealed a higher prevalence of MT in females (50.34%) compared to males (49.6%). The age group with the highest occurrence was between 31 and 50 years, accounting for 40.68% of cases. Among those with MT, there was a notable presence of dental caries and periodontal disease. No mucous retention cysts were detected.

Conclusions: The study suggests that maxillary sinus mucosal thickening (MS-MT) is marginally more common in females and in patients who have both dental caries and periodontal problems compared to other groups.

Clinical relevance: Odontogenic conditions, such as periodontal disease and periapical infections, can significantly affect the MS. These dental issues may lead to MT, and this gives rise to mucous retention cysts, highlighting the importance of thorough dental imaging for early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.