What are the risk factors for maxillary sinus pathologies? A CBCT study

Objective Some anatomic variations may interfere with proper airflow in the maxillary sinus and predispose to maxillary sinus pathologies. It was also reported that as a result of the transport of microorganisms from infected periapical tissues, maxillary sinus pathologies can develop. The objective of this study was to determine the potential relationships of maxillary sinus septa, concha bullosa, nasal septal deviation, and teeth with periapical lesion to maxillary sinus pathologies. Methods 200 cone beam computed tomography scans obtained at Necmettin Erbakan University, Faculty of Dentistry from 2013 to 2018 were retrospectively reviewed for the presence of maxillary sinus septa, concha bullosa, nasal septal deviation, teeth with periapical lesions, and maxillary sinus pathologies. When maxillary sinus mucosal thickening exceeded 2 mm, it was considered as a pathological condition. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the risk factors for maxillary sinus pathologies. p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results 185 (46.2%) of the 400 maxillary sinuses showed maxillary sinus pathologies. Maxillary sinus septa, concha bullosa, and nasal septal deviation were not found to be as a risk factor for the maxillary sinus pathologies (p > 0.05). At least one apical lesion adjacent to the maxillary sinus increased the maxillary sinus pathology by 5.24 times on the right (OR 5.24, p < 0.001) and by 4.67 times on the left side (OR 4.67, p < 0.001). Conclusion To prevent maxillary sinus pathologies, it is important for the teeth adjacent to the maxillary sinus to be healthy.