MANAGEMENT OF AN OROANTRAL FISTULA FOLLOWING DENTAL IMPLANT FAILURE IN A SINUS-AUGMENTED POSTERIOR MAXILLA: A CASE REPORT

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Arslan M. B., Karaaslan F., Bulak N.

30th Congress of the Balkan Stomatological Society, Thessaloniki, Yunanistan, 7 - 09 Mayıs 2026, ss.192, (Özet Bildiri)

  • Yayın Türü: Bildiri / Özet Bildiri
  • Basıldığı Şehir: Thessaloniki
  • Basıldığı Ülke: Yunanistan
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.192
  • Açık Arşiv Koleksiyonu: AVESİS Açık Erişim Koleksiyonu
  • Uşak Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Objective: To present the management of an oroantral fistula that developed after dental implant failure in a sinus-augmented posterior maxilla using a pedicled palatal flap. Case Report: Oroantral fistula is a pathological communication between the oral cavity and the maxillary sinus and represents a relevant complication after surgical procedures in the posterior maxilla. Its management may become more complex following implant failure and explantation. Palatal pedicled flaps may offer advantages in posterior defects because of their tissue bulk, vascularity, and mobility. A 48 year-old male patient with a history of heavy smoking (two packs/day) was referred to our clinic with persistent intraoral discharge. His dental history revealed implant placement in the posterior maxilla combined with external sinus augmentation. During the healing period, implant failure occurred and the implant was removed. Following explantation, an oroantral fistula developed at the surgical site. After clinical evaluation, a pedicled palatal rotational flap was elevated under local anesthesia, transferred over the defect, and sutured without tension to achieve primary closure. Postoperative follow-up demonstrated uneventful healing and complete closure of the fistulous tract. The intraoral discharge resolved completely, and no recurrence, persistent discharge, or other postoperative complications were observed during follow-up. Conclusions: Oroantral fistula should be recognized as a potential complication after implant failure in sinus-augmented posterior maxillary sites. In appropriately selected cases, a pedicled palatal flap may provide an effective and predictable closure method, particularly in posterior defects where tissue bulk and vascular support are critical.