A Staged Approach for Oroantral Communication Closure and Implant Restoration: A Case Report
10.5856/JKDS.2026.19.1.52
- Author:
Hae-seo PARK
1
Author Information
1. Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Dentistry, Dankook University, Cheonan, Korea
- Publication Type:CASE REPORT
- From:Journal of Korean Dental Science
2026;19(1):52-58
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Oroantral communication (OAC) is a common complication associated with implant failure and maxillary posterior teeth extraction, and while various flap techniques provide reliable soft-tissue closure, reconstruction of the underlying bony defect often requires extensive procedures or autogenous bone harvesting. This report presents a staged, minimally invasive approach that enabled successful OAC closure and implant restoration using allogenic bone alone. A large OAC in the maxillary posterior region was first closed using a palatal rotation flap, chosen for its robust vascularity and preservation of keratinized tissue and vestibular depth—factors advantageous for later implant placement. After adequate soft-tissue healing, bone augmentation was performed using a partial-thickness separation technique that allowed elevation of the inner sinus layer, creating a space analogous to a sinus lift. Freeze-dried bone allograft and a collagen membrane were used, resulting in satisfactory bone formation and enabling subsequent implant placement with stable primary fixation. This case demonstrates that a staged approach can achieve satisfactory clinical outcomes without autogenous grafting, general anesthesia, or extensive surgical morbidity. While further studies are needed, this method offers a practical and less invasive alternative for managing large OACs requiring implant-based rehabilitation.
