# Acute Oroantral Communication Closure: Resorbable Collagen Membrane vs. Buccal Advancement Flap Outcomes: A Clinical Trial

## TL;DR

This clinical trial compares two methods for closing oroantral communications after tooth extraction, finding that collagen membranes offer better outcomes with less pain and fewer complications.

## Contribution

The study introduces resorbable collagen membranes as a novel, minimally invasive alternative to traditional buccal advancement flaps for acute OAC closure.

## Key findings

- The membrane group showed significantly better preservation of vestibular depth and keratinized gingiva width.
- Membrane-treated patients experienced lower postoperative pain and fewer complications compared to the flap method.
- Higher normalized bone density was observed in the membrane group, though not statistically significant.

## Abstract

Background: Oroantral communication (OAC) is a frequent complication after the extraction of maxillary posterior teeth and requires immediate closure to prevent sinus pathology and long-term functional impairment. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of acute OAC closure using resorbable heterogeneous collagen membranes with those of the conventional buccal advancement flap (Rehrmann method). Methods: Twenty-four patients with OACs diagnosed within 24 h post-extraction were enrolled, and 20 completed follow-up. Patients were allocated to a membrane group treated with a resorbable collagen membrane (Creos Xenoprotect) or a control group treated with a buccal advancement flap. Clinical parameters, including vestibular depth, width of keratinized gingiva, alveolar socket dimensions, postoperative complications, and pain intensity assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale, were evaluated at 1, 7, 14, and 90 days. Radiographic outcomes were assessed using cone-beam computed tomography with linear measurements and normalized bone density analysis in Hounsfield Units at baseline and 90 days. Results: The membrane technique provided significantly better preservation of vestibular depth, keratinized gingiva width, and alveolar socket dimensions, with significantly lower postoperative pain and fewer complications compared with the buccal advancement flap. Higher normalized bone density values were observed in the membrane group, although differences were not statistically significant. Conclusions: Resorbable collagen membranes represent a safe, minimally invasive, and clinically effective alternative to buccal advancement flaps for acute OAC closure.