Three-dimensional visualization of the alveolar bone and posterior superior alveolar foramen in gender.

The present study applied a three-dimensional (3D) program to measure the distances from the maxillary sinus floor (MSF) to the lingual and buccal alveolar bone and also to the posterior superior alveolar foramen (PSAF), with the aim of determining differences according to gender. The study also attempted to verify the accuracy of measurements obtained from 3D images by performing comparisons with the results obtained in a preliminary study. The results showed that the alveolar bone length and the MAF-PSAF were generally larger in males than in females. It is also predicted that the accuracy of data obtained from a 3D program will be higher than that of data derived from conventional two-dimensional (2D) images. The accurate measurements obtained in this study are anticipated to prove useful in assessments related to dental implantation and anatomical structures. The fundamental data obtained in this study may also assist in setting the goals of future studies utilizing 3D programs.