Closure of small oroantral communications using heterologous biomaterials: A case series.

Purpose: To provide a surgical strategy for small oroantral communication closure and bone regeneration that can meet the needs of an effective, less invasive, and simpler operation by utilizing procedures and biomaterials commonly employed in guided bone regeneration techniques. The primary goal was to close the communication, while the second aim was to achieve bone regeneration.

Methods: This retrospective and monocentric case series was conducted using data from the medical records of 12 subjects with oroantral communications and bone deficits greater than 3 mm who were treated with a heterologous cortico-cancellous graft covered in resorbable collagen membranes. The primary outcome was communication closure, whereas the secondary outcome was bone augmentation, which was demonstrated radiographically and clinically.

Results: Twelve individuals were treated consecutively for oroantral communication closure. The subjects consisted of eight men and four women. The mean age was 57.5 years. Closure was effective in all 12 subjects, and radiographic examination after 6 months revealed bone reformation in all cases. This procedure effectively isolated the maxillary sinus from the mouth cavity, resulting in seal and healing, as well as bone regeneration.

Clinical Significance: Small oroantral communications are frequent in dentistry, often requiring special expertise and interventions that affect patient morbidity. The use of a heterologous cortico-cancellous graft covered with resorbable collagen membranes can allow effective closure of the small communication, preventing migration of pathological epithelia while increasing the bone ridge.