[Closure of oroantral communications using a pedicled buccal fat pad graft]

The oroantral fistula is one of the complications that might occur following extraction of upper posterior teeth. The use of pedicled buccal fat pad graft has recently been considered in the treatment of oroantral fistula. The aim of this article was to evaluate using pedicled buccal fat pad flap for closure of oroantral communications. In this experimental study [case series], thirteen patients [11 male and 2 female] with oroantral communications, which either developed following the extraction of maxillary posterior teeth or odontogenic cyst removal, with an average age of 34.06 [24-52 years old], were treated with a pedicled buccal fat pad graft. Surgeries were performed under local or generalized anesthesia. All of patients were evaluated for maxillary sinus infection before and 6 months after surgery with Water's radiography. Clinical repair of wound was evaluated at the first and the second week and 6 months after the operation. Oroantral communication was treated successfully in all patients. Only one patient complained from pain and nasal obstructions six months following surgery. Pedicled buccal fat pad graft can be successfully used for closure of oroantral communication

Conventional and advanced techniques in prosthodontic preservation and surgical management of residual alveolar ridge - a review

Prevention of alveolar bone loss and maintenance of alveolar bone structure are mandatory for long-term stability of conventional or implant-supported complete dentures. Extraction of teeth may result in 40% to 60% alveolar bone loss in a period of two to three years. Several conditions, including aging, facial lines, unaesthetic dental restorations and loss of vertical dimension, are often accelerated by premature loss of facial bone. Bone maintenance is the procedure of preserving bone after tooth loss. Every attempt should be made at the time of tooth loss to preserve the height and width of the jawbone. An unsatisfactory ridge morphology may result from periodontal disease, trauma or endodontic complications. Consideration must be given, during tooth extraction, to the final shape of the alveolar ridge and overlying soft tissue and to the optimal esthetic and functional result of the final tooth replacement. Soft and hard tissue complications can lead to unsatisfactory results for the patient, including unacceptable tooth morphology, poor phonetics and lack of confidence in denture stability. These problems may be prevented at the diagnosis and consultation stage. This review mainly includes various conventional and advanced prosthodontic and surgical techniques to enhance the residual alveolar ridge preservation