Novel Palatal Submucosal Flap Technique for Oroantral Fistula Repair.

Abstract

Oroantral fistula (OAF) is a pathological communication between the oral cavity and the maxillary sinus, most commonly resulting from maxillary molar extractions. While traditional surgical techniques such as buccal advancement or palatal flaps have demonstrated efficacy in achieving closure, they may lead to complications including vestibular shortening, mucosal tension, and interference with prosthetic rehabilitation. This case report presents a novel technique for OAF closure involving the mobilization of palatal submucosal tissue anchored to the buccal bone, thereby eliminating the need for buccal flap advancement. Applied in 2 male patients with postextraction OAF, the method preserved soft tissue architecture, reduced surgical morbidity, and facilitated future prosthetic planning. Both patients exhibited complete closure without recurrence or significant postoperative complications. This approach offers a minimally invasive, anatomically respectful, and prosthetically favorable alternative to conventional OAF repair techniques.