A cadaveric study of maxillary sinus size as an aid in bone grafting of the maxillary sinus floor

Purpose: This study measured maxillary sinus volume as an aid in determining graft bone volume before grafting of the maxillary sinus floor. Materials and Methods: Maxillary sinus size was measured in 32 cadavers (59 sinuses) using casts of the maxillary sinus made using dental impression material. Results: Anteroposterior length, height, width, and volume of the maxillary sinus (mean +/- SD) were 30.1 +/- 5.65 mm, 34.6 +/- 7.71 mm, 25.4 +/- 5.71 mm, and 11.3 +/- 4.60 cm(3), respectively. When the sinus-lift procedure was simulated, inferior sinus volumes (mean +/- SD) were 3.51 +/- 1.23 cm(3) for a 15-mm lift and 5.66 +/- 1.71 cm(3) for a 20-mm lift. Conclusions: in bone grafting of the maxillary sinus floor, taking into consideration individual differences in maxillary sinus volume and resorption of the grafted bone, 4.74 cm(3) or more of the graft is required for a 15-mm lift, and 7.37 cm(3) or more is required for a 20-mm lift.