Feasibility of conical biodegradable polyurethane foam for closure of oroantral communications.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the feasibility of a conically shaped biodegradable polyurethane (PU) foam for closure of oroantral communications (OACs).


METHODS
In 10 consecutive patients, fresh OACs (present for <24 hours) were closed with PU foam. Standardized evaluations were performed at 2 and 8 weeks after closure of the OAC. Success was considered permanent closure of the OAC.


RESULTS
No complications were observed in 7 of the 10 patients. Of the other 3 patients, 1 developed a maxillary sinusitis that was successfully managed with antibiotics and the OAC recurred in 2 patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Permanent closure of the OAC using PU foam was accomplished in 8 of 10 patients. The results obtained in the present study were more favorable than in a previous feasibility study. Therefore, the alterations in the treatment protocol were maintained for additional research of this new and straightforward treatment strategy. In general, closure of OACs with biodegradable PU foam is feasible and has the potential to make surgical treatment unnecessary for a large number of patients with OACs.
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands. s.visscher@kchir.umcg.nl
Susan H
SH
Visscher
Baucke
B
Van Minnen
Rudolf R M
RR
Bos
D020341:Absorbable Implants; D000328:Adult; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015523:Maxillary Sinusitis / Q000209:etiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D008963:Molar / Q000601:surgery; D008964:Molar, Third / Q000601:surgery; D009957:Oroantral Fistula / Q000601:surgery*; D011140:Polyurethanes / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016062:Porosity; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012008:Recurrence; D013242:Sterilization / Q000379:methods; D013499:Surface Properties; D014081:Tooth Extraction / Q000009:adverse effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011140:Polyurethanes