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Oroantral Communication — NDEB AFK MCQ

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ModerateOral SurgeryOroantral CommunicationNDEB AFK

An oroantral communication is noted immediately after extraction of a maxillary first molar. The defect is approximately 3 mm in diameter with no pre-existing sinus pathology. What is the most appropriate immediate management?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: B — Place a figure-of-eight suture, prescribe sinus precautions, antibiotics, and nasal decongestant

Small oroantral communications (≤5 mm) in the absence of sinus infection often close spontaneously with appropriate precautions. A figure-of-eight suture or horizontal mattress suture stabilises the blood clot. Sinus precautions (avoid nose blowing, sneezing with open mouth, no straws, no smoking) combined with antibiotics (amoxicillin) and nasal decongestant (pseudoephedrine or xylometazoline) allow healing. Surgical closure (buccal flap) is reserved for larger defects or those that fail to close.

Reference: Hupp – Contemporary Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 7th ed., 2019