Use of panoramic radiography to predict possible maxillary sinus membrane perforation during dental extraction.

Objective: To determine if the use of panoramic radiographs is a reliable method of predicting maxillary sinus membrane exposure or perforation during extraction of maxillary teeth.

Method And Materials: The radiographs of 72 patients were evaluated before extraction of maxillary teeth, and a prediction was made whether exposure or perforation of the sinus membrane was likely. This decision was based on the proximity of the root tip to the radiographic floor of the maxillary sinus.