Autotransplantation of third molar for oro-antral communication closure: case report with evidence of sinus elevation after healing.

BACKGROUND Oro-antral communication is a complication due to the extraction of the posterior teeth of the upper arch. Small lesions are able to spontaneously close, but larger diameter lesions require a surgical treatment. METHODS A compromised upper first molar had to be extract determining an oro-antral communication (OAC). Several techniques have been described for the management of OACs, but none of these techniques guarantees bone healing or immediate rehabilitation. In the case of the present report an autotransplantation of the ipsilateral third molar was performed for closing the communication and rehabilitate the extracted tooth. RESULTS The transplantation of the third molar determined the immediate closure of the oroantral communication without resorting to more invasive surgical procedures. The 1,5 years follow up showed the bone healing and the complete oro-antral communication closure. During healing, the palatal root, that was invading the sinus, caused a vertical bone augmentation making a sinus lifting. CONCLUSIONS When a donor tooth is available, the autogenous transplantation could be used to manage the closure of oro-antral communication due to its high regenerative potential.