ABSTRACT
The paper describes a new technique for closure of the oro-antral communication, in which both hard (bone) and soft tissue closure was achieved. The technique uses a Guided Tissue Regeeration (GTR) membrane and Freez Dried Mineralized Bone (FDMB) allograft for closure of the defect. Aim of the study was to assess the advantages of the surgical management of oro-antral communications using resorbable GTR membrane and FDMB sandwich technique. A total 10 patients were selected in whom dental extractions were complicated by formation of oro-antral communication (OAC). The resorbable guided tissue regeneration membrane (PERIOCOL-GTR) and freeze dried mineralized bone allograft material was used. Some cancellous granules of freeze dried bone allograft was sandwiched between sheaths of appropriately trimmed collagen membrane which was previously sutured together on three sides using 3/0 resorbable polyglycolic acid suture (vicryl). The fourth side was then adequately closed using the same suture after the bone graft had been inserted, thus creating a closed sandwich. The prepared sandwich was then tucked into the OAC in such a way that it formed a convexity towards the sinus and a concavity towards the alveolar bone. The rough surface of the sandwich is faced to the alveolar bone and additional bone graft is filled into this concavity. Suturing done without tension. Post-operative orthopantomogram was taken to radiologically quantify the amount of bone grafting/augmentation and closure of oro-antral fistula. There was an average of 11.84 mm bone formation after 6 months, the average width preserved and obtained was 6.9 mm. By the end of 4 months there was evidence of bone formation in 7 subjects and in three subjects bony trabeculae formed was almost similar to the adjacent bone. By the end of 6 months follow-up of 7 subjects showed trabeculae indistinguishable from the adjacent bone. The study was done in 10 patients with a follow-up period of 6 months and found to be excellent in the formation of new bone. The technique is simple and excellent for closure of the oro-antral communications especially when subsequent placement of end osseous implant is considered without the need of donor site surgery for bone grafting.
