Utility of panoramic radiographs in evaluation of distances between root tips of maxillary molar & floor of antrum in different cephalic indices patients-A cross sectional comparative study

Introduction: Maxillary molar and their roots are significant due to their close vicinity to the maxillary sinus. Protrusion of the dental root apices into the sinus through the iatrogenic aperture can result in inflammation of the sinus mucosa initiating maxillary sinusitis. Through this study, statistically significant mean distance between maxillary sinus floor and root apices of maxillary molars in the patients of either cephalic indices using panoramic radiograph and intra-oral radiograph by paralleling technique is proposed, which will be helpful for treatment plan of the varied dental procedures done in the proximity of maxillary sinus floor. Aim: To compare the distance between maxillary molar root tips and the maxillary sinus floor using panoramic and intraoral radiographic technique in different cephalic indices subjects. Methods: The panoramic and intraoral radiographs from randomly selected 75 subjects, irrespective of gender from 18 – 47 years were selected, who were divided into three Groups i.e, Group I (18-27years), Group II (28-37years) & Group III (38-47years), each comprising of 25 subjects who were further clinically examined, analyzed &subdivided as Brachycephalic, Mesocephalic & Dolicocephalic in each group based on cephalic indices, were analyzed and the distance was assessed. Results: Distance from the molar root tips to the floor of the maxillary sinus was significantly higher in Brachycephalic subjects than Dolicocephalic & normal populations of Group I (18-27years) and Group III (38-47years). In comparison between IOPAR and OPG among Brachycephalic, Mesocephalic & Dolicocephalic subjects in Group I, Group II & Group III, no statistical significance was found. Conclusion: Higher distances between the molar root tips and the maxillary sinus floor could be expected in the brachycephalic than dolichocephalic & mesocephalic individuals of the age range of 18-27 years & 38-47 years. The Panoramic radiographs were useful in measuring the desired distance by close to IOPAR in patients of age range 18-47 years of either Cephalic indices.