Cone Beam Computed Tomography Analysis of the Correlation Between Gingival Biotype and Schneiderian Membrane

CBCT: Gingival Biotype and Schneiderian Membrane

Abstract

The Schneiderian membrane plays a critical role in maxillary sinus health and implant planning. Although odontogenic and periodontal factors are known to influence membrane thickening, the role of the gingival phenotype remains unclear. Objectives: To evaluate the relationship between gingival biotype, gingival thickness, and Schneiderian membrane thickness and pathology using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods:
This analytical cross-sectional study included 96 CBCT scans obtained from Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine, Karachi. Gingival thickness was measured radiographically and classified as thin or thick biotype. Schneiderian membrane thickness was measured at corresponding posterior maxillary sites and categorized as normal (≤2 mm) or thickened (>2 mm). Sinus pathology was recorded. Independent-samples t-test, chi-square test, and Pearson correlation were applied (p<0.005). Results: Mean gingival thickness was 1.06 ± 0.18 mm, and mean membrane thickness was 2.23 ± 0.85 mm. Membrane thickening was observed in 61.5% of cases, while sinus pathology was present in 29.2%. No significant difference in membrane thickness was found between thin and thick biotypes (mean difference = 0.22 mm; p=0.203). Gingival biotype was not associated with membrane category (p=0.340) or sinus pathology (p=0.107). Gingival thickness showed a weak, non-significant correlation with membrane thickness (r = 0.084; p=0.416). Conclusions: Gingival phenotype was not significantly associated with Schneiderian membrane thickness or pathology. Sinus membrane alterations appear to be influenced predominantly by anatomical and odontogenic factors.