Meta-analytic study on the frequency and treatment of oral antral communications

Objective: To determine the optimum surgical treatment for oral antral communications (OAC) and to understand the main post-operative complications. Study Design: Meta-analytical, observational and retrospective study of 1,072 cases of OAC obtained from a literature review of 15 articles. Results: OAC occur slightly more often in men and during the fourth decade of life. Its primary etiological factor is dental extraction, most often affecting the third molar. The most common treatment has been the use of Bichat's fat pad grafts, whereas the technique with the highest percentage of complications has been the use of the palatal rotation flap. The most frequent complication has been the fistulization of the OAC. Conclusions: Early diagnosis of OAC and its treatment within 48 hours of evolution are fundamental in order to properly resolve this pathology. The use of Bichat's fat pad grafts is a simple technique that offers excellent vascularization and results.