Partial-thickness Flap Research Articles

Blood Supply of Human Gingiva Following Periodontal Surgery: A Fluorescein Angiographic Study

This study demonstrates changes in the gingival vascular supply of humans following various periodontal surgical procedures. A special system was used to photograph circulatory changes following an i.v. injection of sodium fluorescein to visualize blood supply. The results of this study suggest that the following concepts are important in the design of periodontal flaps. 1. Flaps should be broad enough at their base to include major gingival vessels. 2. A flap's length to width ratio should not exceed 2:1. 3. Minimal tension should be produced by suturing techniques and the tissue should be managed gently during the surgical procedure. 4. Partial thickness flap preparations to cover avascular areas should not be too thin so that more blood vessels are included in them. 5. The apical portion of periodontal flaps should be full thickness when possible.

The effects of length of surgery on healing of full and partial thickness flaps

Partial and full thickness flaps which were were made in the facial gingiva of 10 dogs were reflected for 15 or 90 min. Specimens were examined histologically and biochemically from 3 to 28 days after initial surgery. The results indicate that flaps refelected for 15 min exhibited faster epithelial closure than those reflected for 90 min. Partial thickness flaps reflected for both 15 and 90 min showed less inflammation than full thickness flaps at 3 and 7 days post surgery and healed faster in respect to epithelial closure, mesenchymal healing, and bone regeneration. Biochemical analysis of the collagen concentration of the tissure flaps revealed similar collagen content in full and partial thickness flaps reflected for 15 min; however, the collagen concentration of partial thickness flaps opened for 90 min was higher than that in full thickness flaps.

Alveolar crest reduction following full and partial thickness flaps.

Alveolar crest reduction following full and partial thickness flaps.