Is the pneumatisation of the maxillary sinus following tooth loss a reality? A retrospective analysis using cone beam computed tomography and a customised software program

Objectives To compare the dimensions of maxillary sinuses in dentate and edentulous patients using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans and a customised software program. Materials and methods This study comprised CBCTs of 50 dentate and 50 edentulous posterior maxillae. The observers drew two planar curves in all included sinuses in the frontal, sagittal and axial planes of the respective CBCT scans. The volume (mm 3 ), surface (mm 2 ) and maximum diameter (mm) of the sinuses were calculated using a custom-made software program. The variables analysed were the influence of the state of dentition on sinus dimensions (primary outcome) and the influence of age, gender and side on sinus dimensions; the time needed for analysis; and the intra- and inter-observer agreement (secondary outcomes). Results There was no difference in sinus dimensions between dentate and edentulous posterior maxillae. Males had significantly ( p