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Introduction: Maxillary sinus examination is of utmost importance for dentists, given its close proximity to the upper posterior teeth. While many studies have utilised Computed Tomography (CT) or Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), there remains a scarcity of research exploring maxillary sinus abnormalities through panoramic radiography.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of maxillary sinus pathologies in the dental patients by using digital panoramic radiographs performed for maxillofacial diagnostic purposes.

Methodology: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted over four months (from 2020 October to 2021 January) in Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Nepal Medical College with a convenient sample size of 310 patients aged 16 years to 70 years undergoing panoramic radiography. Maxillary sinus pathologies were assessed visually by a single examiner using digital panoramic radiographs, excluding patients with trauma history or poor quality images. Pathologies such as mucosal thickening, sinus polyps, antral pseudocysts, non-specific opacification, periostitis, and antrolith were identified and recorded, and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20, with level of significance set at p <0.05.

Result: The study included 310 panoramic radiographs, with 166 (53.55%) females and a mean age of 34.07±14.08 years. The overall prevalence of sinus pathology was 229 (73.87%), with mucosal thickening 116 (37.42%) and non-specific opacification 92 (29.68%) being the most common findings, and no significant association was found between maxillary sinus pathology and gender or age group.

Conclusion: Maxillary sinus abnormalities are frequently observed in asymptomatic individuals undergoing dental evaluation. Hence, a comprehensive panoramic image evaluation including maxillary sinus, with selective three-dimensional imaging can facilitate early diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of the patient.

Maxillary sinus; pathology; prevalence; radiography.