Use of pedicle Bichat fat pad as a resource for the closure of communications and oroantral fistulas: case report

Abstract

Introduction: The use of buccal fat pad flap in closure of oroantral communications and maxillary bone defects
has been reported in several studies with positive results, being a simple and well-tolerated technique, thanks to
its vascular richness, volume and versatility, showing a lower complication rate. Objective: Report the clinical
case of a patient who went to university clinic of Universidad UTE with a sinus oral communication and surgical
treatment through a pedicle flap of buccal fat pad, as a satisfactory alternative in the closure of the communication
and correction of intraoral bone defects. Methods: A mucoperiosteal trapezoidal flap was made to reach the palatal
margin, a fistulectomy was also performed, and using a horizontal incision the buccal fat pad was exposed in
order to obtain enough tissue to close the oroantral communications. Conclusions: The use of the flap technique
in the buccal fat pad seems reliable thanks to its vascular characteristics, volume, versatility and capacity to
experience an epithelial metaplasia because of the presence of stem cells.