Comparison of Pixel Values of Maxillary Sinus Grafts and Adjacent Native Bone With Cone-Beam Computed Tomography.

Purpose: Pixel values from cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) are proportional to bone density. This study aimed to correlate and compare pixel values of healed maxillary sinus grafts and adjacent native bone (NB).

Material and methods: This study was conducted on CBCT scan patients referred for maxillary sinus floor augmentation with biphasic calcium phosphate (n = 31). Graft height and width measurements were performed. In addition, mean pixel values were calculated in 3 different regions: NB, sinus graft close to NB (CNB), and sinus graft far from NB (FNB). Micro-CT and histological analyses of bone specimens of a representative case were also performed.

Results: Significant correlations were found between CNB and graft height (r = 0.41; P < 0.021); and FNB and graft width (r = 0.519, P < 0.003). In addition, pixel values from both graft groups (CNB and FNB) differed significantly (P < 0.001). Finally, histological sections revealed smaller areas with newly formed bone in the FNB area.

Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, the present findings suggest that pixel values of sinus grafted areas are directly correlated with the extension of the grafted area.