The oroantral fistula: A case report

• Author Details:   
• Nitin P. Oswal
• Aatif R. Sayed
• Gaurav K. Khutwad
• Ashvini K. Vadane

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Introduction: An unnatural communication between the maxillary sinus and oral cavity is known as “oro-antral communication”(OAC) and if it does not close spontaneously, it is epithelialized so that oroantral fistula develops.⁽²⁾ The most common cause of oroantral fistula is the extraction of a maxillary molar or premolar.^(2,11) The close relationship between the apex of these teeth and the thinness of the antral floor explains this.⁽¹¹⁾ From simple local methods like buccal advancement flap to complex distal flaps and grafts, various methods have been described in the literature for the closure of these communication.⁽²⁾ To facilitate gravitational drainage and aeration via an inferior meatal antrostomy and to remove irreversibly damaged mucosa of the maxillary sinus, Caldwell Luc procedure was designed.⁽¹⁰⁾
Objective: To describe a case report of oroantral fistula [OAF] and its closure.
Case Report: We repot a case of 28 years old male patient who came to our attention for the presence of the OAF and presence of maxillary third molar root piece in the maxillary sinus. This patient was treated by “Caldwell –Luc procedure.”
Conclusion: This treatment modality provide a systematic approach for repair of oro-antral communications.

Keywords: Oro-Antral Fistula (OAF), Caldwell-Luc Procedure