Flap Techniques in Dentoalveolar Surgery

*Randa Abdulmoein AlFotawi*

## **Abstract**

Most dentoalveolar procedures involve the reflection of mucosal flaps. This step is crucial for exposure or removal of impacted teeth, implant bed preparation, exposure of the alveolar bone for augmentation, periodontal surgeries, and repair of mucosal soft tissue defects, such as oroantral fistula. Because of the rich vascularity of the oral mucosa, great freedom is allowed for flap design, but it tends to result in carelessness and lack of thoughtful planning, which may lead to uneventful outcomes or/and complications. In this chapter, we review oral anatomy, classification, indications, and complications of common oral flap techniques; common flap designs are illustrated, and their fundamental principles are highlighted. The review has covered various flap designs based on their indications. Yet the common flap's principles are fundamental for all types of flaps regardless of their application, namely, it should provide wide exposure, clear vision, good access, and assure rich vascularity and good final aesthetic outcome.

**Keywords:** flap principle, applications, classification, flap technique

## **1. Introduction**

Oral surgical flap by definition is the operation in which a portion of the mucoperiosteal tissue is surgically detached from the underlying bone for better access and visibility. Common principles have been applied for all flap designs. First, the base of the flap should be broader than the free end to ensure adequate blood supply. Second, the incision should be performed at a right angle to the underlying bone, avoiding any anatomical structures, and it should provide adequate visualization. Third, the flap should be wider than the anticipated underlying bone defect and delicately handled without tension. Fourth, the vertical releasing incision should start from the buccal vestibule and end up mesial or distal to the interdental papilla. Different flaps have been proposed for various intraoral surgeries, that is, third molar surgery, canine exposure, various periodontal surgery, dental implant preparation, endodontic surgeries, and repair of oroantrual communications. The review will focus on oral anatomy, classification, indications, complications of common oral flap techniques; common flap designs are illustrated, and their fundamental principles are highlighted.
