Nonsurgical Closure of Oroantral Communications With a Biodegradable Polyurethane Foam: A Pilot Study in Rabbits

Purpose Surgical closure of oroantral communications (OACs) has several disadvantages. An animal study was performed to test whether OACs can be closed nonsurgically with a biodegradable polyurethane (PU) foam. Materials and Methods In 6 rabbits, an OAC was created on both sides of the maxilla. Three rabbits were used to evaluate the animal model by applying a surgical treatment on 1 side and by leaving the other defects untreated. In the 3 other rabbits, OACs were closed with PU foam. Wound healing was evaluated clinically and histologically. Results The surgically treated defects healed without complications. The untreated defects showed complicated and delayed healing. Healing of the foam-treated OACs was dependent on the type of foam that was used. Conclusions The rabbit is a suitable animal model for OAC investigations. It is possible to close an OAC with a biodegradable PU foam. Further research is needed to show the most suitable composition of the PU for this purpose.