Anatomic relationship between the root apex of maxillary molars and maxillary sinus in the presence of antagonist teeth: A Kwak’s method with divisions

Objective

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the proximity between the root apices of maxillary molars and maxillary sinus floor using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the southern Turkish subpopulation.

Design

For the study, 246 CBCT images were analyzed. The absence of antagonist teeth was excluded. Kwak's types III and V were detailed with three divisions. Division M; the penetration of the mesial root only, Division D; the penetration of the distal root only, and Division MD; the penetration of both buccal roots. The distance between the maxillary sinus and the root apices was measured. Student’s t-test, one-way ANOVA, and chi-square were used for statistical analysis.

Results

The penetration of maxillary molars was 24.40%. The highest prevalence belonging to Type I. Division MD was 44.35% for Type III and 40.42% for Type V. Division M was higher than Division D. The distances between the sinus and root apices were 1.35–2.41 mm in Type I. The distance decreased with age (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Both buccal root penetration into the sinus was higher than the single root penetration. The distance of the second molar root apices to the sinus was closer than the first molar. One-quarter of the first and second molars were inside the sinus. A greater likelihood of penetration of the root apices into the sinus with increased age.