Ralitsa Yotsova, Ivaylo Parushev
ABSTRACT
Background: Oroantral communications (OACs) and fistulas (OAFs) are pathological connections between the oral cavity and the maxillary sinus. They are usually a result of tooth extraction but can be caused by other iatrogenic and non-iatrogenic causes. Different methods have been used for closing these defects, including flap surgery, socket grafting, and socket sealing techniques. Aim of the study: This systematic review aims to investigate the use of non-resorbable polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membranes for OAC/OAF management, the surgical techniques used, and the biomaterials they can be combined with. Materials and methods: The advanced search was conducted on 23 December 2024 using the following databases: Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar, and the data were exported to an MS Excel spreadsheet. Seven studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in this review. Results: The study results demonstrated that non-resorbable PTFE membranes can be a successful method for closing OAC/OAF. The membranes were usually used in conjunction with other biomaterials, such as xenografts, autografts, allografts, synthetic bone grafts, collagen, and gelatin products. Although the methods for closing OAC/OAF with non-resorbable membranes are not novel, there is still an insufficient amount of data on their use for such purposes. Five out of seven studies were from 2024 and all of them used d-PTFE membranes. Four out of these five presented the open barrier membrane technique. Conclusions: Non-resorbable PTFE membranes have been successfully used for closing OACs/OAFs. They can be combined with different biomaterials, can assist the conventional flap surgery techniques, or be used alone. Dense PTFE membranes have recently attracted interest as they allow for socket sealing without primary wound closure and, thus, for tissue preservation. Therefore, the method facilitates the subsequent implant placement and/or prosthetic rehabilitation. Further research is necessary to validate or disclaim the results from this systematic review.
DOI : 10.62610/RJOR.2025.1.17.31
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