Abstract
Oroantral fistula (OAF) often develops after extraction of posterior maxillary teeth and requires surgical closure. If it persists, OAF may result in maxillary sinusitis. This paper reports a case of an oroantral fistula, associated with chronic maxillary sinusitis. A 46-year-old female patient presented with a history of traumatic tooth extraction, which led to OAF formation. Three unsuccessful attempts were made to close it elsewhere. With one operation, we performed Caldwell-Luc surgery and closed OAF with a collagen membrane and plug and a buccal flap. The patient was assessed at 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month and 8-year follow-up visits, with no signs of maxillary sinusitis or OAF recurrence being found with the efficient amount of bone and opportunity for further dental rehabilitation like sinus lifting and dental implantation. We believe that this approach may be a viable option in similar cases.
Highlights
Oroantral fistula (OAF) is a relatively frequent complication after extraction of posterior maxillary teeth [1]
Even gentle extraction does not always guarantee against OAF formation, so a surgeon should be capable of treating this complication
The established communication of the maxillary sinus with the oral cavity is likely to lead to chronic odontogenic maxillary sinusitis
Summary
Oroantral fistula (OAF) is a relatively frequent complication after extraction of posterior maxillary teeth [1]. Even gentle extraction does not always guarantee against OAF formation, so a surgeon should be capable of treating this complication. If primary closure has not been achieved within these time limits, the internal surface becomes epithelised and a chronic OAF develops. In such cases, spontaneous closure is impossible [3]. The established communication of the maxillary sinus with the oral cavity is likely to lead to chronic odontogenic maxillary sinusitis. This condition requires a combined approach as treatment of either OAF or sinusitis alone is insufficient [4]. In the present case report, we describe a surgical protocol for the treatment of OAF associated with chronic maxillary sinusitis
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
