DOUBLE LAYERED FLAP FOR CLOSURE OF RECURRENT OROANTRALFISTULAUSING BUCCAL FAT PAD AND PALATAL PEDICLED FLAP – A CASE REPORT.

Oroantral fistula is a pathological condition which is frequently encountered by dentists following extraction of maxillary premolars and molars,may also develop due to infection, iatrogenic trauma and following removal of maxillary cysts and tumors. Closure of oroantral fistula is still one of the most challenging problems in the field of oral surgery. Various techniques have been proposed in literature only few have gained wide acceptance. Wound dehiscence and persistent fistula is common complication following isolated local flaps, the article thereby stresses the importance of double flap closure in recurrent oroantral fistula using buccal fat pad and palatal pedicled flap. The advantage of using two flaps over one flap is that it provides epithelial covering to both superior and inferior surfaces, presents generous thickness that resists laceration which will result in reduced incidence of postoperative wound dehiscence. Moreover excellent blood supply without loss of vestibular depth makes this flap a valuable option in treatment of posterior maxillary defects that couldnot be repaired by conventional procedures.