Ridge Preservation Combined With Open Barrier Membrane Technique in Case of Postextractive Oroantral Communication: A Case Series Retrospective Study

After dental extraction, a physiological phenomenon of reabsorption of the dentoalveolar process is triggered, especially if periradicular lesions are present, which can sometimes be associated with oroantral communication in the upper posterior maxilla. To investigate a minimally invasive approach, 19 patients undergoing tooth extraction in the posterosuperior maxilla were recruited. All cases presented an oroantral communication with a diameter of 2-5 mm after tooth extraction and the alveolar process and, in some cases, with a partial defect of 1 or more bony walls. In these cases, a single surgical procedure was used to preserve the alveolar ridge using an open barrier technique with an exposed dense polytetrafluoroethylene membrane. The bottom of the extraction socket was filled with a collagen fleece. The residual bone process was reconstructed using a biomaterial based on carbonate-apatite derived from porcine cancellous bone. After 6 months, all patients were recalled and subjected to radiographic control associated with an implant-prosthetic rehabilitation plan. Data relating to the sinus health status and the average height and thickness of the regenerated bone were collected. Radiographic evaluation verified the integrity of the maxillary sinus floor with new bone formation, detecting a vertical bone dimension between 3.1 mm and 7.4 mm (average 5.13 ± 1.15 mm) and a horizontal thickness between 4.2 mm and 9.6 mm (average 6.86 ± 1.55 mm). The goal of this study was to highlight the advantage of managing an oroantral communication and, simultaneously, obtain the preservation and regeneration of the alveolar bone crest. The open barrier technique appears to be effective for the minimally invasive management of oroantral communication up to 5 mm in diameter in postextraction sites, with a good regeneration of hard and soft tissue.

Treatment of Odontogenic Maxillary Sinusitis with the Use of Growth Factors in Advanced Platelet-Rich Fibrin for Immediate Closure of Oro-Antral Communication: A Case Report

Chronic odontogenic maxillary sinusitis (COMS), a prolonged inflammation of the maxillary sinus lasting over 12 weeks, is often a result of periapical lesions, marginal periodontitis, and complications like oro-antral communication (OAC) and fistula (OAF). OAC, commonly emerging post-teeth extraction in the lateral maxilla, lacks documented treatments using advanced platelet-rich fibrin (A-PRF). This study evaluates A-PRF's efficacy in treating COMS and immediately sealing extensive OAC. A case of a 28-year-old male with COMS linked to a periapical lesion and supernumerary molars is presented. Treatment involved extracting specific teeth while preserving adjacent ones and using A-PRF for immediate OAC closure. A-PRF, enriched with growth factors, was pivotal in healing, showcasing enhanced tissue regeneration, pain reduction, and faster recovery. The findings suggest A-PRF as an effective adjunct in treating extensive OAC and COMS, proposing its inclusion in standard treatment protocols. This study underscores A-PRF's potential in improving outcomes for patients with COMS and related complications.

A pedicled buccal periosteal flap for the closure of oro-antral fistula

BACKGROUND

An oroantral fistula is a communication between the maxillary antrum and oral cavity. This pathological communication is formed mainly due to dental extraction of maxillary premolars and molars. Adequate management should include closing the oroantral fistula and eliminating sinus infections to prevent recurrence and sinusitis.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of using the pedicled buccal periosteal flap for closing an oroantral fistula without changing the native intraoral structure.

PATIENTS & METHODS

Patients with oroantral fistulas were included in this study. The patients were examined clinically by Valsalva test and cheek-blowing test, the hole was probed, and the extent of the underlying bone defect was determined radiographically using computed tomography preoperatively. All patients underwent surgical closure of oroantral fistula using a pedicled buccal periosteal flap.

RESULTS

All 10 patients obtained satisfactory results with marked improvement in the function of the maxillary sinus and complete healing of oroantral fistula with no recurrence except in Case No. 5, who had a recurrence of the oroantral fistula, also there was no statistically significant difference between the vestibular depth preoperatively and postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

A pedicled buccal periosteal flap is a novel technique for oroantral fistula closure as it preserves vestibular depth with a tension-free closure flap and harbors the advantages of the regenerative potential of the periosteum.

REGISTRATION DATE

14/8/2023 REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05987943.

Prefabricated CAD-CAM scaffolds for management of oro-antral communication: A case report and histological analysis

INTRODUCTION

Oro-control communication is one of the complications associated with dental extraction and oral surgeries. This case report presents a minimally invasive surgical approach for bone regeneration at the site of oro-antral communication utilizing a prefabricated computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) allogenic bone block.

METHODS

A 20-year-old healthy female, nonsmoker, with a badly destructed upper right first molar was referred for dental implant placement after extraction. Cone beam computerized tomography images revealed the presence of a large bone defect associated with oro-antral communication with the maxillary sinus and insufficient bone for dental implant placement. A prefabricated CAD-CAM allogenic bone scaffold was fabricated. After surgical exposure, the scaffold was secured in place and covered with a non-resorbable membrane. A dental implant was placed after 5 months, and a trephining biopsy was processed for histological evaluation.

RESULTS

Closure of the oro-antral communication was clinically observed. The average width of the alveolar bone was 12 mm, and the average height was 11 mm. Histological analysis at 5-month intervals showed thin newly formed bone trabeculae encircling remnants of graft material surrounded by osteoid tissue. The newly formed bone percentages were 32 ± 18% and 28 ± 17% volume remained after the biodegradation of the scaffold. Specific immune-histochemical staining by anti-vascular epithelial growth factor expression index value was 32.06%.

CONCLUSIONS

A prefabricated CAD-CAM scaffold was successfully used to seal a large oro-antral communication and regenerate sufficient bone to place a dental implant.

A Novel Approach for the Treatment of Recurrent Oroantral Fistula Occurring at an Infected Sinus Augmentation Site

Closing a recurrent oroantral fistula (OAF) that occurs at an infected sinus augmentation site is a challenge for clinicians. The recurrent OAF has a detrimental impact on bone regeneration and subsequent implant placement. This case report includes three cases in which sinus graft infection and OAF occurred after maxillary sinus augmentation (MSA). In these cases, treatments to control sinus infection were performed using an otolaryngologist; then, intraoral interventions comprising mucosal flap procedures, bone grafts, and barrier membrane applications were performed 2-5 times by oral surgeons. Nevertheless, OAF recurred persistently. The failure to stop OAF recurrence may be due to the inability to effectively block air pressure at the OAF site. Following a comprehensive debridement of the infected tissue at the previous sinus augmentation site, a pouch was created through sinus mucosal elevation. The perforated sinus mucosa at the OAF site was covered with a non-resorbable membrane in one case and with resorbable collagen membranes in the other two cases, followed by bone grafting within the pouch. Lastly, this procedure was completed by blocking the entrance of the pouch with a cortical bone shell graft and a resorbable collagen membrane. The cortical bone shell graft, obstructing the air pressure from the nasal cavity, facilitated bone formation, and, ultimately, allowed for implant placement. Within the limitations of the present case report, the application of a guided bone regeneration technique involving a cortical bone shell graft and a barrier membrane enabled the closure of the recurrent OAF and subsequent implant placement.

The use of Titanium Meshes in Surgical Closure of the Oroantral Fistula. A Randomized Clinical Trial Study

The closure of oroantral communications (OACs) is challenging. The study aimed to assess the effect of titanium meshes in the outcome of OAC closure by local flaps. This is a prospective randomized, nonblinded clinical trial. Patients with a delay and large (≥7 mm 2 ) OAC were studied. Patients were randomly divided into 2 groups: in group 1, patients underwent OAC closure through a modified Rehrmann buccal advancement flap with a titanium mesh, and in group 2, the modified Rehrmann buccal advancement flap. The primary predictive factor was the use of titanium mesh. Dehiscence (the breakdown of the edge of flaps without the complete reopening of the defect) was a primary outcome. The defect's reopening was considered a secondary outcome. Nineteen patients in group 1 and 20 in group 2 were studied. In 2 months after treatments, the prevalence of dehiscence in group 1 was 3, and 10 patients in group 2 ( P =0.041). In group 1, patients did not show OAC exposure. However, OAC exposure was observed in 2 patients in group 2. This study demonstrates that using titanium mesh in combination with a modified Rehman flap decreases the prevalence of dehiscence compared with a flap alone.

[Maxillary sinusitis as a complication of dental implants placement: a case report]

The article presents a case of chronic odontogenic maxillary sinusitis and the results of its surgical treatment. The cause of the sinusitis, confirmed by the results of X-ray and pathohistological studies, was an inflammatory process affecting the bone tissue around the implant, installed in the place of the upper first molar which was accompanied by the development of an oroantral fistula. During the surgical intervention, the communication between the oral cavity and the maxillary sinus was eliminated, and the implant with the abutment, which was entirely in its cavity, was also removed.

Which method is successful in closure of acute oroantral communication? A retrospective study

BACKGROUND

This study's purpose is to retrospectively evaluate the success of surgical methods used in treating Oroantral Communication (OAC).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This study was designed as a retrospective cohort study on patients who developed OAC after surgery maxillary posterior region. The records of patients previously treated with OAC were scanned through the hospital registry software. A data set was created by recording patients' age, gender, systemic disease, etiological reasons, and surgical methods. The primary predictor variable was the surgical method used to treat OAC. Other variables were age, gender, systemic disease and etiological reasons. The primary outcome was oroantral fistula development after the first surgical intervention. The patients who were positive in clinical examination and Valsalva test on control days were considered unsuccessful. One-way analysis of variance and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for quantitative variables in more than two groups. Pearson chi-square test was used to compare categorical data.

RESULTS

This retrospective cohort study was completed with 605 patients who met the study criteria among 95,883 patients who underwent surgery in the maxillary posterior region. The incidence of OAC was 0.63%. The patients consisted of 238 female and 367 male patients. The mean age was 41.06±14.48 years. Buccal flap and Buccal Fat Pad methods were used most frequently in the treatment. While treatment was completed with the first surgical intervention in 592 (97.85%) patients, OAF developed in 13 (2.15%) patients. No statistically significant relation existed between surgical technique and OAF development (p>0.005). The success rate of the Buccal Flap method was 98.7%, and the Buccal Fat Pad method was 95.8%.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study showed that noninvasive methods in openings smaller than 5 mm and surgical treatment methods in openings larger than 5 mm have a high success rate with the limitations of present study.

Is an Attachable Oral Wound Dressing Effective at Closing an Acute Oroantral Communication?

BACKGROUND

An oroantral communication (OAC) is an acute opening after tooth extractions in the posterior maxilla that requires immediate closure. The search for a noninvasive and cost-effective OAC treatment method remains ongoing.

PURPOSE

This study assessed the effect of oral wound dressing (OWD) on acute OACs of 2-5 mm and compared it with suturing sterile gauze (SG) and plasma-rich fibrin (PRF).

STUDY DESIGN, SETTING, AND SAMPLE

A randomized, double-blind clinical trial was conducted at the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Erciyes University. The sample included patients aged >18 years, a 2-5 mm wide OAC without previous maxillary sinus pathology or surgical operation.

PREDICTOR VARIABLE

The primary predictor variable was the closure method used: OWD, SG, or PRF. OWD is a new produced and commercially available product that has been used for closure of oral wounds after periodontal or surgical interventions.

MAIN OUTCOME VARIABLE

The primary outcome variable was OAC closure on postoperative day 30. The secondary outcomes were procedure duration and the pain scores of postoperative days 1, 3, and 7.

COVARIATES

The covariates were age and sex.

ANALYSES

Quantitative variables were compared between groups using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Qualitative variables were analyzed between groups using the Pearson's χ2 test. Results with a P value <.05 were considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

This study included 60 patients (30 females and 30 males). Clot formation was uneventful on postoperative days 1, 3, and 7 in all patients. OAC closure was successful in all patients on postoperative day 30. The success rate of OAC closure did not differ significantly between groups (P > .05). The surgical procedure duration was significantly shorter in the OWD group (1.2 ± 0.41 min) than in the SG (5.75 ± 0.97 min) and PRF (19.65 ± 2.74 min) groups (P < .001). Verbal analog scale scores differed significantly among the OWD (1.05 ± 1.43), SG (4.35 ± 2.85), and PRF (2.5 ± 1.82) groups on postoperative day 1 (P < .001).

CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE

OWD is a less invasive and practical method for closing OACs.

Oroantral Communications: Clinical Efficacy of a Double-layered Technique With/Without the Palatal Connective Tissue Flap: A Superiority, Single-center, University-based Randomized Clinical Trial

The aim of this study was to compare the clinical results of combining a pedicle connective palatal flap coupled with the trapezoid buccal flap against the buccal flap alone in the closure of the oroantral fistula. Individuals with oroantral communication were consecutively included and eventually randomly allocated into 2 groups. In the group test, oroantral fistula was treated with the association of a buccal flap with a pedicle palatal connective tissue flap; in group control, a classic buccal sliding flap was performed. Patients' outcomes were recorded at 48 hours, 1 week, 2 weeks, and 1 month after surgery for assessment of primary (success rate) and secondary endpoints, such as experienced pain, discomfort, and complications. The success rate was 96.6% for the test group and 86.6% for the control group. No significant difference between the 2 groups could be observed regarding discomfort and pain. More pronounced pain was detected in the test group during the early healing period. This surgical procedure was demonstrated to be successful, with a high success rate and low patient discomfort.

A Study of Two Novel Techniques for One-stage Closure of Chronic Oroantral Fistula and Sinus Floor Lift

PURPOSE

This study aimed to compare two novel techniques for chronic oroantral fistula (OAF) closure combined with maxillary sinus floor elevation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ten patients who had implant installation needs but suffered from a chronic OAF were enrolled in the study from January 2016 to June 2021. The technique applied involved OAF closure and simultaneous sinus floor elevation by either a transalveolar or lateral window approach. Bone graft material evaluation results, postoperative clinical symptoms and complications were compared between the two groups. Student's t -test and χ 2 test were used to analyze the results.

RESULTS

In this study, 5 patients with a chronic OAF were treated with the transalveolar approach (group I), and 5 were treated with the lateral window approach (group II). The alveolar bone height was significantly higher in group II than in group I ( P ＜0.001). The pain at 1 day ( P =0.018) and 3 days ( P =0.029) postoperatively and facial swelling at 7 days ( P =0.016) postoperatively were obviously greater in group II than in group I. There were no severe complications in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

The techniques combined OAF closure with sinus lifting to reduce surgical frequency and risks. The transalveolar approach resulted in milder postoperative reactions, but the lateral approach could provide more bone volume.

Platelet-rich fibrin vs. buccal advancement flap for closure of oroantral communications: a prospective clinical study

OBJECTIVES

The primary aim was to evaluate the success of the defect closure (tight or open) of oroantral communications (OAC) after treatment with platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) clots or a buccal advancement flap (BAF). Secondary outcome measurements were the evaluation of the wound healing, the displacement of the mucogingival border (MGB), and the pain level.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Fifty eligible patients with an OAC defect larger than 3 mm were randomly assigned to either PRF (test group, n = 25) or BAF (control group, n = 25) for defect closure. In a prospective follow-up program of 21 days, the defect closure healing process, the wound healing course using Landry's wound healing index (score: 0-5), the displacement of the MGB, and the postoperative pain score were evaluated.

RESULTS

Five patients in each group were lost to follow-up resulting in 40 patients (20 in each group) for continuous evaluation. On postoperative day 21 (study endpoint), no difference regarding success rate (defined as closure of OAC) was noticed between the test (90%; 18/20) and control group (90%; 18/20). A univariate analysis showed significant differences for age and defect size/height for the use of PRF between successful-tight and open-failed defect healing. At the final evaluation, a significantly (p = 0.005) better wound healing score, a lower displacement of the MGB as well as lower pain-score were seen for the use of PRF.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the findings of the current study, the use of platelet-rich fibrin represents a reliable and successful method for closure of oroantral communications. The use of PRF clots for defect filling is associated with lowered pain levels and less displacement of the mucogingival border.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The defect size should be taken into account when choosing the number and size of PRF plugs.

Selecting the Best Surgical Treatment Methods in Oro-Antral Communications

INTRODUCTION

an oro-antral communication is defined as a permanent pathological connection between the maxillary sinus and the septic oral cavity. Several flaps can be used for the closure (buccal flap, palatal flap, combination techniques) but relapses occur often in case of a large defects and underlying general conditions. Bichat fad pad flap is a multipotent pedicled fatty tissue that is easily accessible from the oral cavity that can be used for the closure of medium-sized defects, even in immunocompromised patients due to its stem cell capacity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

the medical information of the patients diagnosed with oro-antral communications who were admitted and treated in the Oral and Maxillo-Facial Clinic Targu Mures, between 2013 and 2020 were analyzed. A database containing general information, reported causes, associated diseases, surgical methods used during admission, and relapses, was created. The information was statistically processed. The written consent and ethical approval were obtained.

RESULTS

the study shows that from a total of 140 cases, 72 were treated using buccal advancement flap, 49 using Bichat fat pad flap, and 19 using palatal flaps. The dimensions of the communications ranged between 0.3 cm and 1.5 cm. Several statistically significant results could be found when comparing the surgical methods. Of the 72 patients treated with buccal advancement flaps, 25 presented relapses as opposed to the patients treated with Bichat fat pad flaps who showed no complications, p < 0.05. Analysing this aspect further, all large defects (10 cases) ranging from 0.6 cm to 1.5 cm treated with advancement buccal flaps (Rehrmann flaps) showed relapses (p < 0.05). Considering the general conditions, out of 7 patients who received radiotherapy 4 presented relapses, as opposed to the healthy patients, p < 0.05. Regarding the reintervention for the relapsed cases, the majority of the cases treated a second time with buccal advancement flap (5 out of 7 cases) failed as opposed to the Bichat fat pad flap with no further relapses (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

the most frequently used surgical treatment is the buccal flap, which also has the highest relapse rate. Both primary treatment with Bichat fat-pad flap and re-treatment of relapses using this flap have had 100% success rates, even in patients with general associated conditions, in contrast with patients treated by using the buccal flap. The dimensions of the oro-antral communication and general conditions are crucial factors for the success of the surgical treatment.

[A preliminary exploration into the efficacy of personalized surgical schemes in the repair of maxillary sinus perforation and maxillary sinus fistula]

To explore the efficacy and value of personalized surgical schemes in the repair of maxillary sinus perforation and maxillary sinus fistula based on the size of the maxillary sinus perforation and maxillary sinus fistula. A total of 28 patients with maxillary sinus perforation and maxillary sinus fistula who were admitted to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Stomatology Hospital of Kunming Medical University from July 2017 to May 2020 were included to conduct a prospective case clinical study. After the inflammation in the maxillary sinus was controlled, a proper surgical repair method was selected according to the size of the perforation and fistula based on the double-layer closure technique. The diameter of the perforation and fistula was measured with the assistance of cone-beam CT. After that, the platelet rich fibrin (PRF) repair was performed on the perforation and fistula with 3 mm≤diameter<7 mm in size in 14 patients. The PRF repair and buccal flap repair were performed on the perforation and fistula with 7 mm ≤diameter<15 mm in size in 7 patients. The adjacent buccal pad repair, palatine flap repair, and buccal flap repair were performed on the perforation and fistula with 15 mm≤ diameter<25 mm in size in 4 patients. The nasolabial axial flap repair and nasolabial free flap repair were performed on the perforation and fistula with a diameter ≥25 mm in size in 3 patients. The medical follow-up was conducted in all patients in the 1st, 2nd, and 4th week after surgery, with an overall success rate reaching 96.4% (27/28) after the initial intervention. The relapse of disease occurred in one patient (4.6%) with diabetes and a smoking history in the 2nd week after surgery. Identifying a proper surgical repair method according to the size of the oral and maxillary sinus perforation and maxillary sinus fistula based on the double-layer closure technique can improve the one-time cure rate in these patients under the premise that the inflammation in the maxillary sinus can be controlled.

Foreign Bodies in Sinonasal Tissues: A Potential Pitfall yet a Hint to Oroantral Fistulas

Foreign bodies in the maxillary sinus are infrequent findings with various organic and inorganic materials have been reported. Most are iatrogenic due to abnormal communications between the oral cavity and the sinus cavity, predominantly secondary to dental and oral procedures. Oroantral fistulas might be asymptomatic incidental findings or may present with sinusitis-related symptoms. Even though oroantral fistulas are frequently encountered iatrogenic complications, most studies focused on radiologic findings and surgical closure procedures. A few cases reported the histopathologic findings of foreign body-related antral sinusitis. Our aim is to report three cases of chronic maxillary sinusitis induced by various foreign bodies of oral and dental origin associated with oroantral fistulas. Our focus is to highlight the different histopathologic patterns, potential pitfalls and helpful clues of foreign body-induced maxillary sinusitis. Altered foreign bodies in procured sinus specimens might be missed, misinterpreted or ignored by pathologists. Obvious vegetable food remnants were detected, but subtle vegetable residuals showed pulse granuloma, rings and sheet-like patterns embedded in the granulation tissue and fibrous stroma. Some materials mimicked fungal hyphae while others were ignored as nonspecific debris. Periodic acid Schiff stain and polarizing light helped delineate their nature. Other helpful hints included the presence of oral-type squamous epithelium, crystals, hemosiderin pigments, dental materials such as alvogyl, and microorganisms of oral origin for example Actinomyces. Our series emphasizes the importance of correct recognition of foreign bodies of oral and dental origin in paranasal specimens to guide clinicians to the possibility of oroantral fistula-associated odontogenic sinusitis versus conventional rhinosinusitis.

Management of oroantral fistula with displacement of the root into sinus using buccal fat pad: a case report

Oroantral fistula (OAF) refers to a permanent connection between oral cavity and maxillary sinus. The extraction of maxillary posterior teeth is the most common reason of OAF. Multiple techniques are available to repair this defect. The most used procedures involving local flaps include buccal flap, buccal fat pad (BFP), and palatal rotating flap. We here present an original technique of management of oroantral fistula with displacement of the root into sinus using BFP.

Outcome of first-time surgical closures of oroantral communications due to tooth extractions. A retrospective analysis of 162 cases

The objective of this study was to analyze the outcome of first-time surgical closures of oroantral communications (OAC) after tooth extractions. Using a billing software, all patients treated in a surgery department were filtered for interventions of the maxillary sinus indicative of OAC therapy. Out of 221 initially eligible cases, the charts of 162 cases fulfilling the inclusion criteria were retrospectively evaluated for the outcome in terms of symptom-free OAC closure as well as possibly influencing patient and treatment factors. The analyzed cohort included 98 males (60.5%) and 64 females (39.5%) with a mean age of 48.6 years (range 17 to 86 years). The maxillary 1st molar (38.3%) was the most common site requiring OAC closure. In 60.5% of the cases, surgical OAC closure was performed immediately after tooth extraction. The Rehrmann flap (72.2%) was the most frequently used technique for surgical OAC closure. 94.4% of surgical OAC closures were successful. Gender and age did not influence the outcome. In contrast, the site of OAC and the time interval from tooth extraction to OAC closure affected the results. Furthermore, the Rehrmann flap, alone or in combination with biomaterials, was superior to the mere suturing (with or without biomaterials) of the OAC site. In conclusion, the Rehrmann flap alone or in combination with biomaterials provided high success rates for first-time surgical OAC closure. With regard to the study parameters, an OAC in the 3rd molar area and an extended interval from tooth extraction to OAC closure negatively influenced the resolution of OAC. However, results must be interpreted cautiously considering the retrospective study design and the limited number of cases.

Evaluation of Surgical Treatment of Oroantral Fistulae in Smokers Versus Non-Smokers

Background and Objectives: Smoking has been found to interfere with wound healing processes. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare surgical treatment of oroantral fistulae (OAFs) in smokers and non-smokers. Materials and Methods: Medical records of all consecutive patients who underwent surgical closure of OAFs between 2003 and 2016 at the oral and maxillofacial surgery department, Rabin Medical Center, Israel were reviewed. Patients' demographic data, preoperative signs and symptoms, surgical method of repair, and postoperative complications were recorded. Results: The cohort consisted of 38 smokers and 59 non-smokers. Age and gender distributions were similar in both groups. The main etiology in both groups was tooth extraction, followed by pre-prosthetic surgery in smokers and odontogenic infection in non-smokers (p = 0.02). Preoperative conditions were not significantly different between smokers and non-smokers in terms of size of soft tissue fistula and bony defect, chronic sinusitis and foreign bodies inside the sinus. OAFs were repaired by local soft tissue flaps without consideration of smoking status. Smokers experienced more moderate-severe postoperative pain (p = 0.05) and requested more weak opioids (p = 0.06). Postoperative complications included infection, delayed wound healing, residual OAF, pain, sensory disturbances and sino nasal symptoms. These were mostly minor and tended to be more frequent in smokers (p = 0.35). Successful closure of OAFs was obtained in all patients except one smoker who required revision surgery. Conclusions: Smokers may be more susceptible to OAFs secondary to preprosthetic surgery. In this cohort, there was no statistically significant difference in outcome between smokers and non-smokers in terms of failure. However, smokers tended to have more severe postoperative pain and discomfort and to experience more postoperative complications. Further studies with larger sample sizes should be conducted to validate these results.

Interventions for treating oro-antral communications and fistulae due to dental procedures

BACKGROUND

An oro-antral communication is an unnatural opening between the oral cavity and maxillary sinus. When it fails to close spontaneously, it remains patent and is epithelialized to develop into an oro-antral fistula. Various surgical and non-surgical techniques have been used for treating the condition. Surgical procedures include flaps, grafts and other techniques like re-implantation of third molars. Non-surgical techniques include allogenic materials and xenografts. This is an update of a review first published in May 2016.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness and safety of various interventions for the treatment of oro-antral communications and fistulae due to dental procedures.

SEARCH METHODS

Cochrane Oral Health's Information Specialist searched the following databases: Cochrane Oral Health's Trials Register (to 23 May 2018), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (the Cochrane Library, 2018, Issue 4), MEDLINE Ovid (1946 to 23 May 2018), and Embase Ovid (1980 to 23 May 2018). The US National Institutes of Health Trials Registry (ClinicalTrials.gov) and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform were searched for ongoing trials. No restrictions were placed on the language or date of publication when searching the electronic databases. We also searched the reference lists of included and excluded trials for any randomised controlled trials (RCTs).

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included RCTs evaluating any intervention for treating oro-antral communications or oro-antral fistulae due to dental procedures. We excluded quasi-RCTs and cross-over trials. We excluded studies on participants who had oro-antral communications, fistulae or both related to Caldwell-Luc procedure or surgical excision of tumours.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently selected trials. Two review authors assessed trial risk of bias and extracted data independently. We estimated risk ratios (RR) for dichotomous data, with 95% confidence intervals (CI). We assessed the overall quality of the evidence using the GRADE approach.

MAIN RESULTS

We included only one study in this review, which compared two surgical interventions: pedicled buccal fat pad flap and buccal flap for the treatment of oro-antral communications. The study involved 20 participants. The risk of bias was unclear. The relevant outcome reported in this trial was successful (complete) closure of oro-antral communication.The quality of the evidence for the primary outcome was very low. The study did not find evidence of a difference between interventions for the successful (complete) closure of an oro-antral communication (RR 1.00, 95% Cl 0.83 to 1.20) one month after the surgery. All oro-antral communications in both groups were successfully closed so there were no adverse effects due to treatment failure.We did not find trials evaluating any other intervention for treating oro-antral communications or fistulae due to dental procedures.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

We found very low quality evidence from a single small study that compared pedicled buccal fat pad and buccal flap. The evidence was insufficient to judge whether there is a difference in the effectiveness of these interventions as all oro-antral communications in the study were successfully closed by one month after surgery. Large, well-conducted RCTs investigating different interventions for the treatment of oro-antral communications and fistulae caused by dental procedures are needed to inform clinical practice.

Triple-Layered Closure of an Oroantral Fistula: A Case Report

Oroantral fistulae (OAF) are surgical sequelae that require complete resection and often leave large defects for the surgeon to repair. Closing these lesions is often technique sensitive and requires a detailed protocol, which, if not adhered to, can lead to recurrence. This case report presents a combined approach to closing an OAF by first excising the fistula and then resecting to retrieve the buccal fat pad to form a pedicle graft over the wound site. Next, a platelet-rich fibrin membrane is sandwiched over the buccal fat pad and completely covered by a buccal advancement flap. This triple-layered technique is a novel method to close a chronic OAF.

Interventions for treating oro-antral communications and fistulae due to dental procedures

BACKGROUND

An oro-antral communication is an unnatural opening between the oral cavity and maxillary sinus. When it fails to close spontaneously, it remains patent and is epithelialized to develop into an oro-antral fistula. Various surgical and non-surgical techniques have been used for treating the condition. Surgical procedures include flaps, grafts and other techniques like re-implantation of third molars. Non-surgical techniques include allogenic materials and xenografts.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness and safety of various interventions for the treatment of oro-antral communications and fistulae due to dental procedures.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Oral Health Group's Trials Register (whole database, to 3 July 2015), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library, 2015, Issue 6), MEDLINE via OVID (1946 to 3 July 2015), EMBASE via OVID (1980 to 3 July 2015), US National Institutes of Health Trials Registry (http://clinicaltrials.gov) (whole database, to 3 July 2015) and the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (http://www.who.int/ictrp/en/) (whole database, to 3 July 2015). We also searched the reference lists of included and excluded trials for any randomised controlled trials (RCTs).

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included RCTs evaluating any intervention for treating oro-antral communications or oro-antral fistulae due to dental procedures. We excluded quasi-RCTs and cross-over trials. We excluded studies on participants who had oro-antral communications, fistulae or both related to Caldwell-Luc procedure or surgical excision of tumours.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently selected trials. Two review authors assessed trial risk of bias and extracted data independently. We estimated risk ratios (RR) for dichotomous data, with 95% confidence intervals (CI). We assessed the overall quality of the evidence using the GRADE approach.

MAIN RESULTS

We included only one study in this review, which compared two surgical interventions: pedicled buccal fat pad flap and buccal flap for the treatment of oro-antral communications. The study involved 20 participants. The risk of bias was unclear. The relevant outcome reported in this trial was successful (complete) closure of oro-antral communication.The quality of the evidence for the primary outcome was very low. The study did not find evidence of a difference between interventions for the successful (complete) closure of an oro-antral communication (RR 1.00, 95% Cl 0.83 to 1.20) one month after the surgery. All oro-antral communications in both groups were successfully closed so there were no adverse effects due to treatment failure.We did not find trials evaluating any other intervention for treating oro-antral communications or fistulae due to dental procedures.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

We found very low quality evidence from a single small study that compared pedicled buccal fat pad and buccal flap. The evidence was insufficient to judge whether there is a difference in the effectiveness of these interventions as all oro-antral communications in the study were successfully closed by one month after surgery. Large, well-conducted RCTs investigating different interventions for the treatment of oro-antral communications and fistulae caused by dental procedures are needed to inform clinical practice.

The pedicled buccal fat pad in oral reconstruction

AIM

Aim of the study was to present a follow-up on 46 cases in which pedical buccal fat pad (BFP) flaps were used to repair oral defects without any additional local flaps or skin grafts.

METHODS

The study comprised 46 patients, 31 men and 15 women, with an age range of 30-78 years (mean age 57.3 years). They were treated with a pedicled flap to repair defects of the ipsilateral maxilla (anterior or posterior), soft palate or retromolar mandibular area following tumor resection, osteonecrosis or the closure of oro-antral fistulae. The defects ranged from 2 × 2.5 cm to 4.5 × 5 cm. All patients were treated under general anesthesia.

RESULTS

The flap fully covered the intraoral defect with any aesthetic deficits. After one month, the flap was fully epithelialized and of adequate thickness in all cases. Three postoperative complications were reported: one superficial necrosis and two small fistulae.

CONCLUSION

Although the BFP has long been recognized and despite the simplicity of preparing the flap itself, numerically significant reports concerning the use of this technique in reconstructive facial surgery have only recently been published. The pedicled buccal fat flap is convenient and reliably repairs oral defects up to 4.5 cm in diameter on the ipsilateral side of the soft and hard palate, posterior alveolar region of the maxilla and the retromolar mandibular area. The surgical procedure is simple and morbidity at the donor site in not significant.

[One stage combined endoscopic and per-oral buccal fat pad approach for large oro-antral-fistula closure with secondary chronic maxillary sinusitis]

There are numerous surgical approaches for oro-antral-fistula (OAF) closure. Secondary sinus disease is still considered by many experts a relative contra indication for primary closure. To describe a single-stage combined endoscopic sinus surgery and per-oral buccal fat pad (BFP) flap approach for large OAF causing chronic maxillary sinusitis. The records of all the patients with OAF and chronic manifestations of secondary rhinosinusitis that were treated between 2010 and 2013 in our tertiary care medical center were reviewed. The exclusion criteria were: OAF 5 mm, resolved sino-nasal disease, OAF secondary to malignancy, recurrent fistula, medical history that included radiotherapy to the maxillary bone and age <18 years. Each procedure was performed by a team consisting of a rhinologist and a maxillofacial surgeon. The surgical approach included an endoscopic middle antrostomy with maxillary sinus drainage, and a per-oral BFP regional flap for OAF closure. Total OAF closure, complications and need for revision surgeries. Forty-five patients that underwent OAF closure together with sinus surgery using a combined endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) and BFP flap approach met the inclusion criteria. There were 28 males and 17 females with a mean ± SD age of 53.5 ± 14.9 years (range 22-80 years). The presenting signs and symptoms included purulent rhinorrhea (n = 22, 48.9%), foreign body in sinus (n = 10, 22.2%) nasal congestion (n = 7, 15.5%), halitosis (n = 6, 13.3%) and pain (n = 5, 12.2%). Surgical complications included local pain (n = 2, 4.4%), persistent rhinitis (n = 2, 4.4%) and synechia (n = 1, 2.2%). One patient required revision surgery due, to an unresolved OAF. The OAF of all the other 44 patients (97.8%) was closed after the first procedure and the paranasal sinuses on the treated side were completely recovered. The mean follow-up time for the group was 7.6 ± 4.3 months (7-21 months), and no untoward sequelae or recurrence were reported. Combined, one step, endoscopic Maxillary sinus drainage together with per-oral BFP flap approach is an efficacious surgical approach for safe closure of OAFs that are complicated with secondary chronic maxillary sinusitis.

Closure of 1.5-cm alveolar oral antral fistula with intra-alveolar sinus membrane elevation and bone morphogenetic protein-2/collagen graft followed by dental implant restoration: case report

Closure of a 1.5-cm oral antral fistula was done in combination with sinus floor and extraction socket grafting using recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 within a collagen sponge matrix. The approach to the sinus was transalveolar, with elevation of the sinus membrane done through a molar extraction socket. Following graft placement, soft tissue repair was done with a buccal advancement flap. A dental implant was subsequently placed and restored. Peri-implant bone and implant stability were well maintained at the 1-year follow up examination.