International Journal of Research and Reports in Dentistry

Background & Aims: The anatomical relationship between maxillary first-molar roots and the maxillary sinus floor is relevant to the radiographic assessment of posterior maxillary structures. This study assessed the frequency of radiographic maxillary sinus pathology and its association with the recorded contact or proximity of individual maxillary first-molar roots.

Methods: In this cross-sectional observational study, 100 cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) examinations available at Mar Baselios Dental College between January and December 2024 were reviewed. Examinations with inadequate image quality, facial deformity, trauma or periapical pathology in the maxillary sinus region were excluded. The mesiobuccal, distobuccal and palatal roots were assessed on both sides using Planmeca Romexis Viewer. Associations were examined using Pearson’s chi-square test, with Fisher’s exact test considered for sparse contingency tables.

Results: Radiographic pathology was recorded in 83 right maxillary sinuses (83%) and 81 left maxillary sinuses (81%). No pathology was recorded in 17 right sinuses (17%) or 19 left sinuses (19%). Pearson’s chi-square testing indicated an association involving the right palatal root (P = .041), whereas Fisher’s exact test applied to the transcribed counts did not confirm statistical significance (P approximately .064). The other root-specific comparisons were not statistically significant.

Conclusion: The observed frequencies describe this selected CBCT sample rather than population prevalence. The apparent right palatal-root association remains inconclusive pending verification of the original dataset and statistical analysis.