Influence of apical periodontitis and periodontal bone loss on maxillary sinus mucosal thickening

Inflammatory alterations in the maxillary sinus may arise from infections associated with periapical and periodontal bone loss in the posterior maxillary teeth. This study assessed the influence of apical periodontitis and periodontal bone loss on maxillary sinus mucosal thickening. Material and methods: CBCT scans of 500 patients were analyzed to investigate the relationship between apical periodontitis and periodontal bone loss on maxillary sinus mucosal thickening. Statistical analysis was conducted using the chi-square test. The association between dependent and independent variables was analyzed using robust Poisson regression models. Results: The patients were aged between 17 and 94 years, with an average age of 49.2 ± 11.9 years. In total, 936 posterior maxillary teeth were examined: 143 first premolars (15.2%), 238 second premolars (25.5%), 304 first molars (32.5%), and 251 second molars (26.8%). MS mucosal thickening > 2 mm was observed in 45% of the evaluated teeth (n=421). Five hundred and eight-three teeth (62.3%) had apical periodontitis with bone loss and 468 (50%) had periodontal bone loss. The frequency and degree of severity of sinus mucosal thickening was related with sex, presence of AP, and periodontal bone loss. Conclusion: A positive association  was observed between maxillary sinus mucosal thickening and the presence of apical periodontitis and periodontal bone loss.