The surgical management of the oral soft tissues: 1. Flap design.

UNLABELLED Correct management of the soft tissues during minor oral surgery is of great importance to ensure rapid and uncomplicated healing. This paper will cover the design of the most commonly required mucoperiosteal flaps in general practice. CLINICAL RELEVANCE The ability to perform mucoperiosteal flap surgery is a useful skill for the general dental practitioner, yet such procedures are frequently avoided and referral preferred. It is important to understand the principles of flap design in order to increase confidence in performing minor oral surgery in general practice.