Achieving closure: Oral surgical flapsSeptember 14, 2020One may find it challenging to recruit enough tissue to close certain sites with a flap, such as the maxillary and mandibular canine teeth.
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VPN Plus+ ExclusiveWhy creating a good flap mattersJuly 2, 2020A flap is tissue that is raised from its bed and left attached on at least one side. The base through which the attachment and circulation is maintained is called the pedicle. In oral surgical procedures, flaps allow exposure of the underlying alveolus and root surface, while preserving attached gingiva to facilitate suturing in a fashion that reduces or eliminates the periodontal pocket and promotes reattachment to the root surface in cases of mucogingival surgery. Extracting teeth due to advanced periodontal disease is undoubtedly the most common surgical procedure performed in companion animal practice. As such, a solid understanding of flaps is warranted. Classifying flaps Partial- or split-thickness (mucosal) flaps leave the periosteum at the donor site, avoid larger blood vessels, and allow suture placement in the periosteum. Partial-thickness flaps are indicated where there are thin bony plates; in areas of dehiscence or fenestration where bone must be protected; and in areas where bone loss is permanent. Full-thickness flaps gain visibility and access for osseous surgery, root planing, and pocket elimination. A full-thickness flap, which includes the periosteum, can be elevated by blunt dissection using a periosteal elevator in a rocking motion until the periosteum is peeled away from …
