Tissue response following papilla-sparing and sulcular incisions in oral surgery--an experimental study.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study is to compare tissue reduction following papilla-sparing and sulcular incisions in oral surgical indications.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Five beagle dogs were used. Three months after tooth extraction of P2-M1, notches were prepared at the height of the interproximal gingiva into M2 and P1. Papilla-sparing and sulcular incisions were randomly performed, full-thickness flaps elevated and flaps repositioned. Three months postoperatively, tissue reduction was assessed using a digital calliper, mean values were calculated per group and analysed using a Wilcoxon matched-pair rank test.

RESULTS

Papilla-sparing incisions revealed significantly less (p < 0.05) tissue reduction than sulcular incision techniques.

CONCLUSION

Papilla-sparing incisions seem to induce less tissue response following flap surgery compared to sulcular incisions in oral surgical indications. Nevertheless, tissue reduction was seen in both groups.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

For surgical approaches without the necessity of direct access to the root surface (i.e., implantology, oral surgery), papilla-sparing incisions may be superior compared to sulcular incisions.