Korean J Orthod.  2024 Jul;54(4):239-246. 10.4041/kjod24.017.

Anatomical factors of the maxillary tuberosity that influence molar distalization

• López DF
• Olmos DA
• Morales MA

• KMID: 2558293
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4041/kjod24.017

Abstract

Objective
To examine the areas of the maxillary tuberosity (MT) (coronal, apical, width, and height) with respect to the presence or absence of the third molar to establish possible anatomical limitations for molar distalization.
Methods
A total of 277 tuberosities were evaluated through sagittal computed tomography (CT) images, divided for measurement into coronal (free of bone), apical (area of influence of the maxillary sinus), and tuberosity (bony area) zones, and stratified by the presence or absence of the third molar, sex, and two age subgroups. Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare the groups considering the third molar.
Results
The medians of the width and height of the tuberosity decreased significantly in the absence of the third molar (P < 0.001). The apical area also showed differences, with negative values in the absence of the third molar and positive values in the presence of the third molar (P < 0.001). However, no differences were observed for the coronal area (P > 0.05).
Conclusions
In the absence of the third molar, the size of the MT, represented by its width and height, was smaller and negative values (decrease) were observed for the maxillary sinus. The sagittal CT provides useful information regarding the amount of bone tissue available for distalization and relationship of the second molar with respect to the maxillary sinus, which allows individualizing each case in relation to the amount and type of movement expected.

Keyword

Maxillary tuberosity; Third molar; Molar distalization; Computed tomography

Figure

• 

  Figure 1 Coronal zone. Reference lines to measure the length of coronal zone. W1, top of the tuberosity.

• 

  Figure 2 Tuberosity zone. Reference lines to measure the width and height of the tuberosity. W1, top of the tuberosity; W2, floor of the tuberosity; H1, tangent to the distal root of the second molar; H2, tangent to the inner cortex of the tuberosity.

• 

  Figure 3 Apical zone. Reference lines to measure the length of the apical zone. If the floor of the tuberosity is below the apical end of the second molar root, the measurement is negative. If it is above, the measurement is positive. W2, floor of the tuberosity.

• 

  Figure 4 Coronal (A), tuberosity (B, C), and apical (D) measurements in the presence or absence of the third molar.

Reference

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