NONSURGICAL CLOSURE OF OROANTRAL COMMUNICATIONS USING OCCLUSAL SPLINTS

Abstract

Purpose: Oroantral communications (OACs) may close spontaneously, especially when the defect has a size smaller than 2-3 mm, whereas larger openings require surgical closure. The aim of this retrospective study was to present our experince with non surgical closure of small and large OACs with occlusal splints. Materials and Methods: Clinical and radiographic data of twenty patients who had used occlusal splints after the occurance of an acute OAC were included in this study. Two groups were created according to the size of the defects: Group A: defects smaller (<) than 5 mm; and Group B: 5 mm and wider (≥). In all patients, a well fitted soft occlusal splint was placed for hermetic closure of the opening. All patients were followed up weekly and the splint use was stopped when complete epithelization of the OAC was observed clinically. T he relationship between the size of OACs, treatment outcome, and healing time was compared statistically. Results: OAC was healed spontaneously in all patients, except one. The healing time was found to be significantly higher in goup B than in group A. No significant difference was found between the groups with respect to the success of the treatment. Conclusion: The use of occlusal splints seems to improve the spontaneus healing of the OACs.