Treatment of Oroantral Fistulas Using Bony Press-Fit Technique

PurposeThe objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the bony press-fit technique in closing oroantral communications (OACs) and oroantral fistulas (OAFs) and in identifying potential intraoral donor sites.Patients and MethodsTen patients, 4 with OACs and 6 with OAFs, were treated with autogenous bone grafts using the bony press-fit technique. In 9 patients, dental extractions caused OACs or OAFs; in 1 patient, an OAC appeared after cyst enucleation. Donor sites included the chin (3 patients), buccal exostosis (1 patient), maxillary tuberosity (2 patients), ramus (1 patient), and the lateral wall of the maxillary sinus (3 patients). The preoperative evaluation of the patients, surgical technique, and postoperative management were examined.ResultsIn all 10 patients, a stable press fit of the graft was achieved. Additional fixation methods were not needed. In 2 patients, mucosal dehiscence developed, but healed spontaneously. In 2 patients, dental implant surgery was performed in the grafted area.ConclusionTreatment of 10 patients with OACs or OAFs was performed, with a 100% success rate. The bony press-fit technique can be used to safely close OACs or OAFs, and it presents some advantages compared with other techniques.