OROANTRAL COMMUNICATIONS AND THEIR SURGICAL TREATMENTS: AN INTEGRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

The oroantral communication (OAC) is characterized as a pathological opening between the oral cavity and the maxillary sinus. It is commonly associated with the extraction of upper molars and is identified by the rupture of the maxillary sinus lining, bone defect, and opening of the gingival tissue, all of which need to be closed and completely isolated from the oral environment and adjacent tissues. The imaging study of this condition, particularly computerized tomography (CT), is considered the gold standard in diagnosis, as it takes into account the specificities of OAC. The objective of this study was to perform a literature review addressing the surgical techniques used in the treatment of OACs. This is a descriptive study, in which an integrative literature review was conducted using databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, and SciELO). A total of 25 articles, published between 2014 and 2024, were selected. According to the analysis of the articles, the following surgical options were described: buccal fat pad flap, rotated palatal flap, sliding vestibular flap, platelet-rich fibrin, and bone or auricular grafts. It was concluded that all the surgery described techniques are effective in treating OAC when appropriately indicated.