The Importance of Three-Dimensional Imaging from CBCT in Elucidating a Well-Defined Radiolucency Image within the Maxillary Sinus: A Case Report

Ricardo Alves de Mesquita, Cláudia Borges Brasileiro, Tânia Mara Pimenta Amaral

Department of Oral Surgery and Pathology, School of Dentistry, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
lDepartment of Oral Surgery and Pathology, School of Dentistry, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazi.

DOI: 10.4236/ojrad.2014.43033                

Abstract

This study describes a case of antral septum with alveolar process extension that is identified using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Periapical radiolucency was observed in the maxillary sinus, and clinical and radiographic examinations ruled out the possibility of odontogenic lesions. CBCT was performed to elucidate the radiolucency identified using periapical radiography. A 3-D image indicated that the maxillary sinus extended into the alveolar process toward the palatal cortical bone in the region of the maxillary right first molar, as well as an antral septum extending from the inferior and lateral wall of the right maxillary sinus. CBCT is an important tool for use in dental practice because CBCT images reveal the entire volume of the maxillary sinus and allow for identification of patient anatomy and anatomical variations, which is essential for planning appropriate surgical interventions.

Keywords

Diagnostic Imaging, Cone-Beam Computed Tomography, Radiography, Maxillary Sinus

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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