Suction Cup Induced Palatal Fistula: Surgical Closure by Palatal Rotational Flap

Abstract

Construction of complete denture with adequate retention is a complex procedure. Use of suction cup in a maxillary denture is one of the techniques to improve retention. Palatal Suction cup, which provides high retention by inducing negative pressure on the mucosal surface, is not being recommended because of its pathological effect on the palatal tissues leading to palatal perforation. Surgical closure of palatal perforation is challenging, technique sensitive, and it can be achieved by different surgical methods depending on the size and location of the defect. In this case report, we present a patient with palatal perforation due to prolonged use of a denture with a suction cup for over 10 years, which was surgically closed by a palatal rotational flap. The result was good as the defect was successfully closed and the donor site healed uneventfully.

Keywords: Palatal fistula, Palatal rotational flap, Suction cup, Surgical closure