Measurement of the relationship between maxillary premolar roots and the maxillary sinus floor using cone beam CT and analysis of the impact on immediate implantation

Objective To analyze the spatial relationship between the roots of maxillary anterior premolars and the maxillary sinus, thus providing an anatomical basis for timing, planning, surgical approaches, and implant selection at this site. Methods Cone beam CT (CBCT) images were collected from 264 patients (aged 20-65 years) who visited the Ruihua Dental Clinic between January 2017 and March 2023. The minimum distance from the apex of the maxillary anterior premolar roots to the lower wall of the maxillary sinus was measured on the coronal plane. The classification of the vertical relationship between the tooth root and the lower wall of the maxillary sinus was performed, and comparisons were made bilaterally, between genders, and among different age groups. Results The minimum distance (Q50) from the apex of the first maxillary premolar root to the lower wall of the maxillary sinus was 7.34 mm for the single-root type, 7.80 mm for the buccal root of the double-root type, and 7.36 mm for the palatal root. For the second maxillary premolar, the median distance was 2.56 mm for the single root type, 1.73 mm for the buccal root type, and 1.23 mm for the palatal root type. There was a significant difference in the shortest distance from the apex of the right second maxillary premolar single root to the lower wall of the maxillary sinus among the different age groups (PP>0.05). The most common vertical relationship between the apex of the maxillary anterior premolar roots and the lower wall of the maxillary sinus was noncontact. There was no significant difference in the vertical relationship classification between the single-root and double-root types (P>0.05). Conclusion Most maxillary first premolar roots can provide sufficient bone height, which makes it easy to achieve immediate implantation. The maxillary second premolar root frequently involves insufficient bone, which is necessary to make full use of the bone wall of the extraction socket or the sinus floor cortical bone to achieve initial stability. The vertical relationship between the premolar root and maxillary sinus was influenced by age and dental position. Younger age groups often exhibit inadequate bone height, and the indication for immediate implantation should be carefully considered. The number of roots does not significantly affect the relationship between the sinus and root; however, double-rooted premolars offer more support for immediate implantation and socket healing due to the small root diameter and bony separation between the roots.