Temporal Flap as an Option for Buconasal Fistula Closure

Maxillary defects with buconasal/businusal communications are situations difficult to manage and solve. Several treatment options are available on the literature, each one with its indication. Temporal muscle flap is one of these options, being a technique that requires more experience of the surgeon to be properly performed and that is mainly indicated for difficult cases, large defects and those nonresponsive to simpler techniques. The main purpose of this paper is to report 3 clinical patients of the application of the temporal muscle flap for the closure of extensive oral defects. None of the patients had necrosis, nervous deficits, or any long-term changes. The authors conclude that the use of this flap was shown to be a viable, safe technique with low complication and high success rates, which may contribute to the rehabilitation of well-indicated patients.