Przystańska A, Kulczyk T, Rewekant A Introducing a simple method of maxillary sinus volume assessment based on linear dimensions. Ann Anat. 2018; 215:47-51 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aanat.2017.09.010
Bolger WE, Woodruff WW, Morehead J, Parsons DS Maxillary sinus hypoplasia: classification and description of associated uncinate process hypoplasia. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1990; 103:759-765 https://doi.org/10.1177/019459989010300516
Evaluation of mucous retention cyst prevalence on digital panoramic radiographs in the local population of Iran. 2022. 10.1155/2022/8650027
Evaluation of anatomical variations of the maxillary sinus in patients with and without mucous retention cyst. 2023. 10.1177/01455613231206284
Yeung AWK, Tanaka R, Khong PL, von Arx T, Bornstein MM Frequency, location, and association with dental pathology of mucous retention cysts in the maxillary sinus. A radiographic study using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Clin Oral Investig. 2018; 22:1175-1183 https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-017-2206-z
Dogan ME, Uluısık N, Yuvarlakbaş SD Retrospective analysis of pathological changes in the maxillary sinus with CBCT. Sci Rep. 2024; 14 https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-66527-7
Radiographic appearance of the maxillary sinuses in health and disease Nicholas Drage Simon Haworth Dental Update 2025 52:5, 304-310.
Authors
NicholasDrage
BDS, FDS RCS(Eng), FDS RCPS(Glas), DDR RCR
BDS, FDSRCS, FDSRCPS, DDR RCR, Consultant in Dental and Maxillofacial Radiology, University Dental Hospital, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Cardiff.
The maxillary sinuses are frequently seen on intra-oral and panoramic radiographs taken in general dental practice. Variation in normal appearances of the maxillary sinuses can be mistaken for disease and a wide range of odontogenic and non-odontogenic diseases can change sinus appearance. This means that a systematic approach is needed when interpreting radiographs, including those of the sinuses. The article provides examples of normal anatomy and illustrations of some of the more common abnormal findings, as well as suggestions for management in these cases.
CPD/Clinical Relevance:
The maxillary sinuses are visible on radiographs in general dental practice, meaning that practitioners need to be able to recognize features of health and disease in them.
Article
The maxillary sinuses are air-filled cavities located in the body of the maxilla. They are the largest of the paranasal sinuses and, in adulthood, each contains around 15 ml of air.1 There are right and left maxillary sinuses, which develop separately and are not connected. They are pyramidal in shape, with the geometric base on the lateral wall of the nose and the apex projecting into the zygomatic process.
The margins, which are visible on dental radiographs, are:
The sinuses are lined by pseudostratified columnar ciliated epithelium with goblet cells and they drain into the nasal cavity through the ostium, which is located high up on the medial wall of the sinuses. The sinuses vary in size. Hypoplasia is quite common with a prevalence reported of approximately 10% (Figure 1).2
On panoramic and peri-apical radiographs, the bony margins of the sinuses appear as thin, white (corticated) lines and the sinuses themselves appear radiolucent because they are filled with air. The normal appearance of the sinuses on radiographs commonly obtained in general dental practice is shown in Figures 1–5. Note that only some of the bony margins are visible on these radiographs.
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Dental Update and reading some of our resources. To read more, please register today. You’ll enjoy the following great benefits:
