title: Closure of oroantral communications using a pedicled buccal fat pad graft.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This report evaluates the use of a pedicled buccal fat pad graft for closure of oroantral fistulae.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fourteen patients with oroantral communications, ranging from 8 to 20 mm in diameter, were treated by the use of a pedicled buccal fat pad graft.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The procedure was successful in 13 of 14 patients. Postoperatively, the orally exposed fat gradually was transformed into a granulation-like tissue and epithelization developed within 3 weeks.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It was concluded that the procedure has wide application and a high degree of success.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Surgery, Kawatetsu Chiba-Hospital, Japan.
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Hanazawa
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Itoh
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Mabashi
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sato
mesh_terms: D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000637:transplantation*; D000328:Adult; D002610:Cheek / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009957:Oroantral Fistula / Q000601:surgery*; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing