Three-Layered Technique for Closure of an Oro-antral Communication

Closure of oro-antral communication (OAC) is crucial for prosthetic rehabilitation, infection prevention and patient symptom relief. Various surgical techniques exist for managing OACs, including buccal advancement flaps, buccal fat pad grafts and palatal rotational flaps, which have been widely reported in the literature. This case highlights a flap design that enhances surgical robustness while minimizing some of the limitations associated with traditional techniques. A 61-year-old woman underwent extraction of the UR6 and enucleation of an associated cyst. An OAC was identified and closed using a three-layered technique with a buccal fat pad and buccal and split-thickness palatal advancement flaps. CPD/Clinical Relevance: An alternative flap design that prioritizes structural integrity and reduces patient discomfort is described.