Oroantral communication - A clinical and radiographic retrospective study of 39 Iraqi patients

Abstract

Background: oroantral communication (OAC) is abnormal connection between oral
cavity and maxillary sinus. OAC is a rare, well known complication, mostly
occurs after the extraction of upper posterior teeth, and if not treated lead to
formation of oroantral fistula (OAF) and many complications .surgical repair is
very necessary to prevent further complications .The aim of this study to evaluate
and analyze the clinical, radiographic aspects of 39 Iraqi patients with oroantral
fistula.
Materials and methods :the study was carried on 39 patients with oroantral fistula
reported to the Department of oral and maxillofacial surgery ,college of dentistry,
University of Baghdad ,and private practice from 1983 to 2010 .data regarding the
age ,sex , cause ,site ,radiographic features and types of radiographs ,signs and
symptoms ,duration ,relation to the adjacent teeth , sinus disease ,methods of
treatment .
Results: 39 cases of OACs, 26 male, 13 female, the age range was20-65 with a mean
age 44.5 year. Highest incidence was seen in the third and fourth decade of life
61.4%. The highest frequency of OACs was seen in relation to upper first molar
48.7% .the commonest cause was complicated extraction 51.2% .pain and
tenderness was the most prominent symptoms 80%, escape of fluid from the nose
was the most prominent sign 75.6%.there was a long delay in the diagnosis and
treatment .most of the OACs occurs near the edentulous areas, occipitomental
radiograph was not reliable in detection of displaced roots. Buccal advancement
flap was the main method in treatment 81.2%.
Conclusions: OACs a rare complication, its management need good clinical and
radiological experience, and the treatment should be individualized to have good
results.