A Case of Simultaneous Sinus Augmentation and Oroantral Fistula Closure for Implant Preparation

An oroantral communication may form in the upper molar region after tooth extraction. The patient is a 59-year-old female, who is a nonsmoker. At the initial visit, teeth #14, #15, and #17 were missing. After tooth #16 was extracted due to apical periodontitis, a bone defect with a diameter of approximately 4 mm was observed, leading to the formation of an oroantral fistula (OAF). Another window was created in the lateral wall adjacent to the superior part of the bone defect at the fistula site to achieve closure of the OAF through bone formation and simultaneously perform sinus floor elevation (lateral approach) for implant placement. Through this lateral window, instruments were inserted into the maxillary sinus towards the bone defect at the fistula site. During this process, the remaining bone between the lateral window and the bone defect at the fistula site was carefully removed with instruments, connecting the two bone defects to facilitate manipulation of the instruments. The Schneiderian membrane was elevated without enlarging the tear. Six months after these surgeries, a cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT) scan confirmed the closure of the fistula with hard tissue and the elevation of the sinus floor. Subsequently, three implants were placed, and prosthetic treatment was completed. Follow-up data is provided, including periapical X-ray and CBCT images taken 2 years and 3 months after surgery (1 year and 3 months after the placement of the final prosthetic structure). The progress so far has been favorable.