Evaluation of versatility and effectiveness of pedicled buccal fat pad used in the reconstruction of intra oral defects.

INTRODUCTION: The use of buccal fat pad as a grafting source in the closure of intraoral defects has gained popularity in the last quarter of this century. Because of the ease of access and rich blood supply, its use in oral defects is an attractive concept.

METHODOLOGY: The study comprised of 8 patients with oral submucous fibrosis, 1 patient with oroantral fistula, 1 patient with verrucous hyperplasia. The acquired oral defects following resection of pathology in the oral cavity, were reconstructed with pedicled buccal fat pad. The Post operative follow up at the intervals of 1st, 7th and 15th day, followed by 1st month, 2nd month and 3rd month was done.

RESULTS: The procedure was successful in all the patients. Healing was satisfactory with no breakdown or liquefaction necrosis post operatively. All the patients had definitive colour change at the end of 1st post operative month owing to the epithelialisation. Residual defect was present in one patient diagnosed of verrucous hyperplasia on the 1st and the 7th post operative day which subsequently healed. In 8 patients with oral submucous fibrosis post operative mouth opening was measured in and was observed to be in the range of 12-26 mm on the 1st post operative day and 34-42 mm during 3rd month post operatively.

CONCLUSION: The results of this study support the view that the use of buccal fat pad is a simple, convenient and reliable method for the reconstruction of small to medium sized intra oral defects.