Functional Rehabilitation With Anatomic Reconstruction of Oroantral Fistula With Lateral Approach of Sinus Elevation...

Oroantral fistula (OAF), defined as an epithelized pathologic communication between the oral cavity and the maxillary sinus, develops when an oroantral communication (OAC) has remained unclosed for 48 to 72 hours or longer. To close an OAF, infections within the maxillary sinus, such as sinusitis, must be treated through sinus irrigation, medication, or sinus surgery. In addition, physical closure using a local flap is required, so various techniques have been proposed for this purpose. This study introduces an innovative approach for closing OAF utilizing xenogenic bone grafts and the buccal fat pad, grounded in advanced surgical techniques for sinus floor augmentation, as illustrated through 2 clinical cases. This method not only optimizes conditions for implant placement in patients requiring implant-supported restorations but also preserves the buccal vestibular depth, thereby minimizing the necessity for vestibuloplasty with free gingival grafts. From a prosthodontic perspective, this technique represents a highly impactful and refined strategy for achieving effective OAF closure.