A Study of Two Novel Techniques for One-stage Closure of Chronic Oroantral Fistula and Sinus Floor Lift

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare two novel techniques for chronic oroantral fistula (OAF) closure combined with maxillary sinus floor elevation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten patients who had implant installation needs but suffered from a chronic OAF were enrolled in the study from January 2016 to June 2021. The technique applied involved OAF closure and simultaneous sinus floor elevation by either a transalveolar or lateral window approach. Bone graft material evaluation results, postoperative clinical symptoms and complications were compared between the two groups. Student’s t-test and χ(2) test were used to analyze the results. RESULTS: In this study, 5 patients with a chronic OAF were treated with the transalveolar approach (group I), and 5 were treated with the lateral window approach (group II). The alveolar bone height was significantly higher in group II than in group I (P＜0.001). The pain at 1 day (P=0.018) and 3 days (P=0.029) postoperatively and facial swelling at 7 days (P=0.016) postoperatively were obviously greater in group II than in group I. There were no severe complications in either group. CONCLUSIONS: The techniques combined OAF closure with sinus lifting to reduce surgical frequency and risks. The transalveolar approach resulted in milder postoperative reactions, but the lateral approach could provide more bone volume.