A review of oro-antral communications.

Oro-antral communications are occasionally produced during routine oral surgery procedures and often cannot be avoided. Dentistry's emphasis on implantology means that defects in the maxillary sinus are encountered far more frequently than before; therefore, knowledge of the maxillary sinus is of the utmost importance. Unfortunately, many general dentists have not been trained to provide proper treatment to correct these defects. Swift diagnosis and subsequent treatment are vital to proper and successful management. This article reviews the literature and the anatomy of the maxillary sinus and discusses the diagnosis and conservative treatment of oro-antral communications.