Oro-antral Fistulas

Oro-antral fistulas are relatively common complications in dental practice and frequently face Otolaryngologists and Oral Surgeons. The great majority of these fistulas are caused by dental extraction and most heal spontaneously when left undisturbed or treated adequately at time of occurence. However, some fistulae become chronic causing great problems to patient and surgeon'!'. Dentist's knowledge of the nature of chronic fistulae, its recognition its proper immediate treatment and avoidance is essential to reduce its incidence. The different surgical techniques used to close the fistula itself without eradicating its etiology (maxillary sinus disease) proved to be unsatisfactory. This study will highlight the need for eliminating the underlying etiology and stress the importance of co-operation between oral surgeon and otolaryngologist for successful fistulae closure. The results of managing twenty five (25) patients with chronic oro-antral fistulas after dental extraction during the last seven (7) years period (1978-1984) is discussed and related to a recent literature reviewKing Saud Universit