CLOSURE OF OROANTRAL COMMUNICATIONS USING A PEDICLED BUCCAL FAT PAD GRAFT

Purpose: This report evaluates the use of a pedicled buccal fat pad gr aft for closure of oroantral fistulae. Materials and Methods: Fourteen patients with oroantral communications, ranging from 8 to 20 mm in di ameter, were treated by the use of a pedicled buccal fat pad graft. Re sults: The procedure was successful in 13 of 14 patients. Postoperativ ely, the orally exposed fat gradually was transformed into a granulati on-like tissue and epithelization developed within 3 weeks. Conclusion : It was concluded that the procedure has wide application and a high degree of success.