An Unexpected Complication after Use of Pedicled Buccal Fat Pad for Closure of Oroantral Fistulae: Emphysema

Abstract

Oro-antral communication (OAC) may develop as a complication of dental extraction, trauma, infection or neoplasm. Buccal fat pad (BFP) has been increasingly used for the closure of OAC. However, some complications can be seen for pedicled buccal fad pad flap (PBFPF), such as infection, limitation in mouth opening, hematoma, and swelling. Nevertheless, there are no previousreports of subcutaneous emphysema after PBFPF. In this paper; a complication developed in the early period after use of PBFPF for closure of OAF was illustrated with special emphasis showing the strength of BFP against tension forces.