The closure of oroantral communications with resorbable PLGA-coated β-TCP root analogs, hemostatic gauze, or buccal flaps: A prospective study
Received 30 April 2009; received in revised form 10 July 2009; accepted 17 July 2009. published online 29 October 2009.
Objective
The aim of this study was to compare the treatment of oroantral communications (OACs) with bioresorbable root analogs made of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA)–coated β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP), hemostatic gauze or a buccal flap technique.
Study design
In this prospective clinical study, 30 patients with oroantral communications were randomly assigned to a treatment. Clinical success, vestibular depth at the defect site, pain, and swelling were monitored.
Results
The OAC closure was successful in all cases. The vestibular depth stayed constant in the groups treated with the PLGA–β-TCP composite or hemostatic gauze. In contrast, a vestibular depth reduction of 1.2 ± 0.2 mm was observed in the buccal flap group, indicating atrophy of the alveolar ridge in these patients. Furthermore, pain and swelling were more pronounced in this group.
Conclusion
Closures of OACs with PLGA–β-TCP composite or hemostatic gauze are reliable minimally invasive methods that minimize atrophy of the alveolar ridge, swelling, and pain compared with a buccal flap technique.
aLecturer, Clinic of Oral Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
bProfessor, Clinic of Oral Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
cLecturer, Clinic of Oral Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
dProfessor, Department of Histology and Embryology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
eAssistant Professor, Clinic of Oral Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
fAssistant Professor, Clinic of Oral Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
gAssociate Professor, Clinic of Oral Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
Reprint requests: Aleksa Markovic, Clinic of Oral Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica No 4, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
ABSTRACT