The effect of periodontal status on the thickness of the Schneiderian membrane in upper posterior teeth with root tip associated with the maxillary sinus: a retrospective cone beam computed tomography study

Background The aim of this study was to examine the effects of periodontal bone loss (PBL) in upper posterior teeth, whose root tip is in contact with the maxillary sinus, on sinus mucosal thickening (SMT) in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. Methods The 160 CBCT images were divided into four equal groups according to the season in which they were taken: spring, summer, autumn, and winter (n = 40). The relationships among gender, age, PBL, and SMT were evaluated. The SMT was measured from the point where the distance from the sinus base to the upper edge of the sinus mucosa was greatest. SMT of more than 2 mm was considered pathological. The SMT value was categorized into four classes (Class I: <2 mm, Class II: 2,1-5 mm, Class III: 5,1-10 mm, Class IV: >10 mm). The level of PBL was determined by measuring the distance between the point located 2 mm apical to the cementum enamel level and the upper border point of the alveolar bone. PBL was calculated by dividing this value by the distance between the apex of the longest root and the point located 2 mm apical to the cemento-enamel border and multiplying by 100. PBL was categorized into three classes (Type I: 25%, Type II: 25-50%, Type III: >50% bone loss). Results No statistically significant relationship was found between gender, season of shooting, the side of the maxillary sinus (right or left) and SMT (p>0.05). The rate of Class IV SMT in individuals over 50 years of age (41.9%) was found to be statistically significantly higher than in other age groups (p<0.05). The rate of Class IV SMT in individuals with severe PBL (60.7%) was significantly higher than in those with mild (0%) and moderate (3.2%) PBL (p<0.05). Conclusions Age and PBL were significantly associated with SMT.