Closure of Oro-Antral
Communications |
This is a common complication, which may occur
during an attempt to extract the upper back teeth or roots
(premolars & molars).
The mouth-sinus communication (oro-antral
communication) may be confirmed by observing the
passage of air or bubbling of blood from the post-
extraction socket when the patient tries to exhale gently
through their nose while their nostrils are pinched
(Valsalva test). If the patient exhales through their nose
with great pressure, there is a risk of causing oro-antral
communication, even though communication may not
have occurred initially, such as when only the lining
(mucosa) of the maxillary sinus is present between the
tooth socket and the sinus.
Mouth-Sinus communications (oroantral communications)
may be the result of:
- Closeness of the root tips to the floor of the sinus
(maxillary antrum). The bony portion above the root
tips is often very thin or may even be absent,
whereupon oro-antral communication is inevitable
during extraction of the tooth, especially if the socket
is ‘cleaned’ unnecessarily.
- Extensive bone removal for extraction of an impacted
tooth / root.
The OAC / OAF is closed using the following flaps: