Frequency of oro‐antral fistulae after perforation to the maxillary sinus

Abstract

Abstract— The frequency of oro‐antral fistulae after perforations to the maxillary sinus by extraction of teeth or displacement of roots into the maxillary sinus is investigated. The material comprises 116 patients with a sinus perforation during the period 1950 to 1967. No patients had maxillary sinusitis in relation to the extraction. 104 patients (90 %) were followed‐up two months or more after treatment. In nine cases of sinus perforation without root displacement, no treatment was instituted and seven (78 %) formed an oro‐antral fistula. In 82 cases a primary suture over the perforation was used, resulting in an oro‐antral fistula in six (7 %). In the 13 cases of root displacement into the maxillary sinus, the root was removed and there was a primary suture over the perforation; in three cases (23 %) an oro‐antral fistula was formed. Apparently the usual primary treatment does not prevent oro‐antral fistulae, but the frequency will be less. After treatment of displaced roots, the frequency of oro‐antral fistulae is higher than after treatment of simple sinus perforations. Different methods for closure of sinus perforations are discussed.