The use of the buccal fat (BFP) and palatal rotating flaps for the closure of oro-antral communication and reconstruction of palatal defects was compared clinically. The BFP proved to be consistently successful in closing oro-antral fistulae and palatal defects resulting from tumour resection, preserving the normal anatomical architecture of the oral mucosa. No denuded area requiring secondary granulation was required as in the case of palatal flaps. In addition, no facial disfigurement was observed on the operated side.
BFP is considered a reliable, convenient method for closure of palatal defects and closure of oro-antral communication. It can also be considered as a reliable back-up procedure in the event of failure of other techniques.
