A NEW TECHNIQUE OF CLOSURE OF ORO-ANTRAL FISTULA BY USING PLATELET RICH FIBRIN MEMBRANE IN COMPARISON WITH BUCCAL ADVANCEMENT FLAP

Background: Platelet rich fibrin (PRF), a concentrate of platelets and leucocytes embedded in a fibrin matrix has many applications in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery. However, its use in the closure of oroantral fistula (OAF) has not been reported.
Purpose: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of using PRF membrane with acrylic splint versus the traditional buccal advancement flap for closure of OAF.
Patients and methods: 20 patients with OAFs were included in this study. Patients were randomly divided into two equal groups. Closure of OAF for (group I) with the buccal advancement flap, while for (group II) with the PRF membranes was done. Patients were clinically evaluated for primary closure, pain, edema, and depth of the sulcus postsurgically.
Results: Patients were 14 males and 6 females, with a mean age of 42.6 years. 19 cases of OAFs occurred after extraction of upper posterior teeth and 1 case occurred after cyst enucleation. Uneventful healing occurred in 18 patients; 9 in each group. Postoperative pain and postoperative edema were significantly less in group II than in group I.
Conclusion: PRF membrane is an appropriate alternative technique for closure of OAF, with less postoperative pain and edema than buccal advancement flap technique.