Use of pedicled buccal fat pad in the closure of oroantral communication: analysis of 75 cases.

OBJECTIVE: This report evaluates the use of pedicled buccal fat pad for closure of oroantral communications.

METHOD AND MATERIALS: Seventy-five patients were treated with pedicled buccal fat pad. Fifty-two were treated immediately after tooth extractions. The remaining 23 had chronic oroantral communication and were treated similarly after irrigation of the maxillary sinus with saline for 7 days.

RESULTS: The 6-month follow-up revealed uneventful healing in all of the patients. Though partial necrosis of the flap was observed in three patients, this did not effect the final healing. Total necrosis of the flap was not noted.

CONCLUSION: The use of pedicled buccal fat pad is an acceptable and reliable alternative in acute or chronic oroantral communications management and may even be used as a first treatment choice by experienced surgeons.