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Flap Advancement: Practical Techniques to Attain Tension‐Free Primary Closure
Author(s) -
Greenstein Gary,
Greenstein Benjamin,
Cavallaro John,
Elian Nicholas,
Tarnow Dennis
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
journal of periodontology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.036
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1943-3670
pISSN - 0022-3492
DOI - 10.1902/jop.2009.080344
Subject(s) - closure (psychology) , medicine , surgery , coronal plane , dentistry , computer science , anatomy , market economy , economics
Background: Primary and tension‐free closure of a flap is often required after particular surgical procedures (e.g., guided bone regeneration). Other times, flap advancement may be desired for situations such as root coverage. Methods: The literature was searched for articles that addressed techniques, limitations, and complications associated with flap advancement. These articles were used as background information. In addition, reference information regarding anatomy was cited as necessary to help describe surgical procedures. Results: This article describes techniques to advance mucoperiosteal flaps, which facilitate healing. Methods are presented for a variety of treatment scenarios, ranging from minor to major coronal tissue advancement. Anatomic landmarks are identified that need to be considered during surgery. In addition, management of complications associated with flap advancement is discussed. Conclusions: Tension‐free primary closure is attainable. The technique is dependent on the extent that the flap needs to be advanced.