Difference between oroantral communication and fistula?

Oroantral communication (OAC):

- An abnormal opening between the oral cavity and the maxillary sinus.

- OAC can be caused by trauma (such as a tooth extraction) or by dental procedures.

- Symptoms:

- Leakage of fluids (air or fluids) into the mouth.

- Sinusitis (inflammation of the maxillary sinus).

- Difficulty swallowing.

Fistula:

- Fistula refers to an abnormal connection or passageway between two organs or body structures that are not normally connected.

- In dentistry, an oronasal fistula specifically refers to an abnormal connection between the oral cavity and the nasal cavity.

- Similar to OAC, it can result from trauma or dental procedures involving the upper jaw/maxillary region.

- Symptoms:

- Continuous drainage from the nose.

- Leakage of fluids (air or fluids) into the nose.

- Difficulty swallowing.

- Nasal regurgitation (passage of food or liquids from the mouth into the nose).