PURPOSE: This paper reports the procedure used to close a late oroantral fistula using rotating flaps of the pedicled buccal fat pad. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 66-year-old, male patient with leukoderma, in good general health, was referred for closure of an extensive late oroantral communication. Upon clinical examination, an approximately 10-mm fistula was observed connecting the oral cavity to the maxillary sinus. An outpatient surgical procedure was performed with the use of local anesthetics to close the oroantral fistula with a rotating pedicled buccal fat pad flap. The healing of the wound and closure of the defect could be seen after a 30-day postoperative period, with complete epithelialization. CONCLUSION: Grafting of the pedicled buccal fat pad is thought to be an efficient, safe and easy alternative to a larger oroantral fistula closure. Pedicled buccal fat pad grafting corrected the defect without generating any sequelae and/or great postoperative discomfort to the patient.
Oral fistula; oroantral fistula