Risshi Bhatt, Animesh Barodiya, Siddharth Singh, Naman Awasthi

ABSTRACT

Aim- The aim of this study was to evaluate efficacy of soft tissue surgical closure of Oroantral communication/ Oroantral fistula by using Buccal advancement flap & Buccal fat pad and to assess criteria for success or failure of the two surgical technique on following parameters: presence of Pain & Swelling, Infection status, Sinusitis, Fistula formation, Loss of sulcus depth. Material and method- A total of 20 healthy patients were taken irrespective of sex, caste and creed, they were between 35 and 75 years of age group. Patients were divided into two groups .Group I (n = 11 patients): Patients underwent surgical closure of OAF with buccal fat pad (BFP).Group II (n = 9 patients): Patients underwent surgical closure of OAF with buccal advancement flap (BAF). Results- The procedure was done successfully in all the 20 patients. 11 patients were treated with buccal fat pad and 9 were treated with buccal advancement flap. Complications were observed in 2 cases of buccal advancement flap. Both the techniques were found successful in closure of OAC. There is no statistical difference present with both the techniques while comparing parameters except the loss of buccal vestibule which was evident in case of buccal advancement flap. Conclusion- We conclude that when patient is seen with OAC, which is smaller than 3 mm should be sutured. When larger communication of more than 5 mm is seen, use of the BFP, is treatment of choice. In cases of OAF, buccal fat pad is the preferred technique over buccal advancement flap. Clinical significance- In spite of the longer surgical time and immediate complications of the application of the buccal fat pad in closing the oroantral communications and fistula it is a good and more reliable method while comparing with buccal advancement flap.