Treatment of oroantral fistula - a study

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to evaluate and analyze the occurrence, characteristics and treatment outcome of oroantral fistula in 29 patients from Sept 2004 to Nov 2009. These patients were examined both clinically and radio-logically for oroantral fistula. Data regarding the age, gender, cause and site of fistula and treatment outcome was evaluated and reviewed. The age range was 18-60 years with high frequency occurring in 31-40 years. Male outnumbered female. The common cause of OAF was extraction of teeth [n=25, 86.5%] followed by cysts [n=2, 6.7%]. The most common involved tooth in the causation of OAF was upper first molar [n=13, 52%]. Surgical technique used to close the fistula was buccal advancement flap. Recurrence of fistula occurred in 2 patients [6.7%] and were re-operated using the palatal flap. The merits and demerits of the procedure are discussed