Buccal fat pad graft for the closure of the oroantral fistula following dental implant removal

Objectives: An oroantral fistula (OAF) is an abnormal connection between the oral cavity and the maxillary sinus. The buccal fat pad (BFP) has been used as a pedicle graft for the repair of oral cavity defects, including OAF defects. In the present study, we evaluated the effectiveness of the BFP technique for closing OAFs resulting from dental implant removal. Patients and Methods: BFP grafting was performed in patients with OAFs after dental implant removal, and the results were retrospectively analyzed. Nine patients were included, and the BFP was grafted onto the posterior maxilla for closure of the OAF. Results: In seven patients (82%), the OAF was successfully closed only in the first surgery, but in two patients, the OAF was not closed; therefore, additional surgery was performed. All patients with OAF after dental implant removal were successfully treated with the BFP graft without other serious complications. Conclusion: Overall, this study highlights the clinical significance of BFP grafting for the management of OAFs following dental implant failure and suggests that BFP grafting can be considered a primary treatment option for patients presenting with OAFs.