Closure of Oroantral Communication With Plasma-Rich Fibrin Membrane

Oroantral communication (OAC) is the opening between the maxillary sinus and oral cavity. It may cause oroantral fistula or maxillary sinusitis if left untreated. The surgical closure of the OAC within 48 hours was recommended to avoid the complications like sinus infections. The aim of this study is to evaluate the treatment of OACs with plasma-rich fibrin (PRF) which is safe and easy to implement in the OACs.This study was conducted with the patients, who required the treatment of the OAC, which was developed after the posterior maxillary tooth extraction in the Dental and Maxillofacial Department of the Faculty of Dentistry in Adnan Menderes University.Plasma-rich fibrin membranes were inserted in layers into the tooth socket so that they covered the OAC. Then these membranes were fixated with the sutures to the surrounding gingiva. Antibiotic (amoxicillin/clavulanic acid 1000 mg), analgesic (dexketoprofen trometamol and/or paracetamol), and oral rinse (0.2% chlorhexidine digluconate) agents were prescribed to all patients. The patients were examined in the 3rd and 7th days and 2 months after the operation.All patients tolerated PRF perfectly, and the soft tissue recovery was completed without any problem. Full epithelization was observed in the defect area in all patients. The OAC did not relapse in any patient.Plasma-rich fibrin technique is a simple and effective method, which can be used in the treatment of OACs with a diameter of 5 mm or less with a low risk of complications.