The maxilla (from the Latin maxillaris, coming from maxilla, meaning jaw), also called the upper jaw, is a part of the facial skeleton and partly constitutes the upper jaw.

Position. The maxilla is an even bone that is symmetrical about the midline. This pair of bones are fused together to form the upper jaw. Articulating with all the bones of the face, the maxilla constitutes the central bone of the face. It thus partly forms the bony palate, the eye sockets and the walls of the nasal cavity. (1)

Structure. The jawbone is made up of different parts (1) (2):

• The body of the maxilla which includes the maxillary sinus, a cavity extending from the upper teeth to the sockets and opening towards the nasal cavity;
• The frontal process which constitutes the part going up towards the frontal bone and forms a lateral face of the nose;
• The palatal process which rises towards the back of the oral cavity to weld to the palatine bone and thus form the bony palate;
• The alveolar process which consists of dental alveoli, cavities supporting the upper teeth;
• The zygomatic process, located laterally, which articulates with the zygomatic bone.

Innervation and vascularization. The maxilla presents a foramen, that is to say an opening allowing the passage of nerves or vessels. This is the infraorbital foramen where the infraorbital nerve and the infraorbital artery pass towards the skin. These come from the inferior orbital fissures and the sphenoid bone, located at the bottom of the orbit.

Central position. Given its central position on the face, the maxilla is involved in various physiological functions, such as food, speech, smell, or even sight.

Sinusitis. This pathology corresponds to an inflammation of the sinuses. The causes of sinusitis are varied but can in particular be of bacterial, viral or even allergic origin. One of the most common forms of sinusitis is that occurring in the maxillary sinuses. It is often due to an infection in the teeth. Sinusitis can be manifested by a rise in fever or pain in the face. Often acute, sinusitis can sometimes persist and become chronic. (4)

Facial trauma. In facial trauma, the jawbone can be affected and fractured. Given the significant vascularization of the face, this trauma is often accompanied by the appearance of hematomas (3).

Maxillary malformation. Maxillary malformations are often associated with dental malformations.

Drug treatments. Depending on the pathology diagnosed, certain medications may be prescribed such as painkillers, anti-inflammatories or antibiotics.

Surgical treatment. In the event of a fracture, a surgical intervention can be implemented with, for example, the installation of screws, steel wires, or even mini-plates.

Orthopedic treatment. Depending on the pathology diagnosed, the fitting of an orthopedic device may be necessary.

Physical examination. First, a clinical examination is carried out in order to assess the symptoms perceived by the patient and to identify the pathology.

Medical imaging examAn x-ray, a CT scan, an MRI, or an orthopantomogram can be performed to confirm a diagnosis in the jawbone.