Oroantral Fistula Resulting From Chronic Periodontitis: A Rare Case Report

Introduction: The aim of this case report is to highlight a rare case of periodontitis contributing to an oroantral fistula (OAF), which was closed with a pedicled buccal fat pad (PBF). Extraction of a tooth is often a cause for an OAF in patients. The rarity of the presented OAF is because the periodontally affected teeth were in proximity to the right maxillary sinusitis. Case Presentation: A 49-year-old male patient presented with nasal regurgitation of fluids with right maxillary sinusitis. It was not clear whether the OAF was attributable to the periodontal condition or anatomic changes in the sinus floor. It was concluded that periodontal disease contributed to the OAF, and the teeth were extracted with coverage of the area with a PBF. The results were excellent, with complete healing of the OAF. Conclusions: Poor oral hygiene together with smoking cause chronic periodontitis (CP), which can induce oral/antral communication, leading to a fistula. The OAF in this case was effectively closed with a PBF. Creating awareness among underserved patients about oral hygiene and maintaining a healthy oral status could prevent CP and complications such as oral and antral fistulous tracts.