Effect of 0.2% hyaluronic acid gel topical application on healing period of oroantral fistula treated with buccal flap

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Oroantral fistula (OAF) is a pathological communication between maxillary sinus and oral cavity, which treated by various surgical methods including buccal flap and associated with post-operative discomfort and relatively long healing period. AIM: The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of 0.2% hyaluronic acid (HA) gel on the healing period after surgical buccal flap treatment of OAF. METHODS: The records of 20 patients of both genders included and reviewed retrospectively. Ten patients treated with topical 0.2% HA gel while the other 10 patients treated without it. Patients healing process followed up for suture removal appointment. RESULTS: Statistically significant p ≤ 0.05 decreases in healing period when we compare patients treated with topical HA gel and those without topical HA gel. CONCLUSION: The use of topical HA gel may have advantages for soft-tissue healing and decrease healing period for patients has OAF treated with surgical buccal flap.