A case of oroantral fistula: managed successfully by buccal advancement flap

Abstract

Oral epithelium migrates into the defect when an oroantral communication lasts more than three weeks, at which point it is referred to as an oroantral fistula. Oroantral fistula (OAF) can arise for a variety of reasons, including the extraction of maxillary posterior teeth, treatments for sinus augmentation, the improper use of implant drills, trauma to the craniofacial region, osteoradionecrosis, and flap necrosis. The size of the pre-existing oroantral communication affects the oroantral fistula’s treatment strategy and outcome. Instances when the oroantral communication is lesser than 2 mm in diameter it’s likely to heal and close by itself, eliminating the need for any surgical intervention. However, surgical closure is advised when the oroantral communication is higher than 3 mm or linked to periodontal or maxillary infection. In the literature, a number of algorithms have been proposed to describe the surgical methods for treating oroantral fistulas. This article aims to discuss a case of oroantral fistula of a female patient aged 34 years who presented with the chief complaint of foul discharge from the nose since 2 months.