Selecting the Best Surgical Treatment Methods in Oro-Antral Communications

The Treatment and Management of Oroantral Communications and Fistulas: A Systematic Review and Network Metanalysis

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this work was to systematically review and carry out a statistical metanalysis to identify the best treatment for close oroantral communications and fistulas and to avoid the risk of recurrence.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An electronic search was conducted on the MEDLINE database (Pubmed), Scopus, and Google scholar using the following keywords: "oro antral communication (OAC)" OR "oro antral fistula (OAF)" OR "antro-oral communication" OR "communication between maxillary sinus and oral cavity" OR "oro-sinusal communication" OR "oro-sinusal fistula" OR "sinus communication" OR "sinus fistula" OR "antral communication" AND "treatment" OR "management" OR "surgical treatment" OR "surgical interventions". This work was performed in accordance with the guidelines of PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses). After article screening, 9 RCTs (randomized controlled trials), comparing two or more techniques, were included in this review.

RESULTS

A statistically significant difference was detected in favor of the buccal fat pad compared to the buccal advancement flap and palatal rotational flap.

CONCLUSIONS

With the limitations of this study, the buccal fat pad showed the best results in terms of communication closure and reducing the risk of relapse.

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.

Anatomical and Surgical Implications of the Usage of Bichat Fat Pad in Oroantral Communication, Maxillary, Palatal, and Related Surgeries-Narrative Review

The buccal fat pad, also called the Bichat's fat pad (BFP), is an encapsulated fat mass located in the cheek. This type of specialized fat mass can be used both as a pedicular or free graft in various surgeries and approaches. Due to its easy access from the oral cavity approach, it is commonly used for oroantral and palatal fistula closure. The knowledge of its anatomy and surrounding tissues plays a role in its mobilization and suturing onto the desired defect in the palatal or maxillary region. The BFP is mostly associated with the primary approach used for a fistula or bone surgery. Alternatively, the procedure can be performed with a single approach incision, which does not compromise the appearance or the function of the operating or adjacent areas. The most important inclusion criteria for BFP usage and surgical limitations are highlighted. The BFP is used for multiple purposes in reconstructive and oncology surgery and also has its use in esthetic and facial contouring procedures. The amount, volume, and shape of the BFP are mostly associated with the scope of their usage. The aim of the following narrative review is to present the surgical and anatomical implications of fat pads in maxillary and palatal surgeries.

Successful Closure of an Oro-Antral Communication, after Three Previously Failed Attempts, Using Bichat Fat Pad Flap: A Case Report

An oro-antral communication represents an abnormal connection between the oral cavity and the maxillary sinus. It occurs most often after tooth extractions, improper implant placement or incorrect management of the sinus lifts. Surgical repair is challenging and most practitioners usually choose the buccal advancement flap, the palatal flap and in some cases the buccal fat pad flap to close the defect. We present a 43 year-old female of a large oro-antral communication and associated chronic sinusitis which was succesfully manged by surgery. Previous interventions including 2 buccal advancement flaps, and a double layer closure using Collagen membrane and buccal advancement flap were unsuccesful. The stepwise intervention consisted on the complete cleaning of the sinus, using the Caldwell Luc technique, followed by the closure of the oro-antral communication using Bichat fat pad flap. The particular aspect was the proper integration of the buccal fat pad flap, after 3 failed attempts, without dehiscence or any other complications. The buccal fat pad flap can be succesfully used for closure of lage oro-antral communications, even when previous methods have failed and local tissue is of poor quality.