Autologous platelet-rich fibrin glue versus traditional surgical method for closure of oroantral communication

Background: An oroantral communication (OAC) is a pathological pathway between the oral cavity and maxillary sinus, which occurs due to loss of the soft and hard tissue separating these compartments. Numerous treatment strategies have been developed for the management of OAC. Objectives: In a trial to overcome the complications of oroantral communication (OAC) closure using traditional methods, this study was conducted to compare a novel bloodderived biomaterial, autologous platelet-rich fibrin glue.(APRFG) to the traditional buccal advancement flap (BAF) in closure of OAC regarding the success rates and the postoperative complications. Method: This prospective randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on twenty patients diagnosed with recent OAC randomly assigned into two groups. After laboratory and radiological investigations, the collected autologous whole blood was processed to create cryoprecipitate and platelet -rich plasma for preparation of APRFG which was used in a group of patients instead of the BAF procedure. Both groups were followed up for three weeks postoperatively. Results: No significant differences could be detected between both groups regarding either demographic data or preoperative measures. The success rate was 90% in BAF group compared to 80% in FG group. Postoperative pain was significantly less in FG group compared to BAF group in most of the seven postoperative days (P=0.003, 0.005, 0.004, 0.254, 0.023, 0.013, and 0.013, respectively). Also, a significant reduction of vestibular depth (4.5 ± 0.849 mm in BAF vs. 12.4 ± 1.429 mm in FG) and mucogingival line. Conclusion: APRFG closure of OAC proved to be a simple, effective, alternative to traditional BAF surgery.