Clinical and Radiological Diagnosis of Oroantral Communication: A Retrospective Outpatient Study

Background: Oroantral communication (OAC) represents an accidental opening of the maxillary sinus during oral surgery in the absence of pre-existing inflammation. Despite being considered a rare complication; however, it remains clinically significant due to the risk of chronic sinus pathology. Methods: This study was conducted within the "Arsenie Guțan" Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at "Nicolae Testemitanu" State University of Medicine and Pharmacy. We evaluated a cohort of 31 patients with OAC treated in an outpatient setting at the Municipal Dental Center in Chisinau during 2022. Results: The first molar was the most frequently involved tooth (45.16%), with molars accounting for 83.88% of cases. Immediate post-extraction diagnosis was achieved in 90.32% of patients. Imaging was required in selected cases, with orthopantomography (OPG) used in 83.87% and computed tomography (CT) in 9.67% of patients. Conclusions: Early diagnosis based on combined clinical and radio-graphic assessment remains essential for successful management of OAC. Prompt intervention reduces the risk of maxillary sinus infection and chronic fistula formation.