A crestal incision is a type of incision made during the beginning of a dental implant procedure when creating the buccal flap. There are generally three types of crestal incisions: midcrestal incisions, mucobuccal fold incisions, and paracrestal incisions. A paracrestal incision is also referred to as craterization, and is different from other types of crestal incisions in its placement and technique. A midcrestal incision is done when there is plenty of lingual, buccal, and palatal tissue present, and made from the crest of one natural tooth to the crest of the other. In cases where not enough of this tissue is available, usually due to tooth loss in the center of an edentulous ridge, a periodontal surgeon may recommend that a paracrestal incision be made. This incision is made away from the crests of the natural teeth surrounding the area the implant will be made and can be done either lingually or buccally.