Tension-free flap closure

The surgical incision and resulting flap are some of the most important things to get right during a dental implant procedure. It facilitates healing and when done incorrectly, can result in post-operative dental implant failure. The size of the flap cannot be too small — this results in the surgeon having more difficulty accessing the tissue underneath, putting pressure on the incision and flap, causing damage to the tissue. A flap should be big enough for the surgeon to visualize the bony ridge. As dental technology continues to advance, there are a number of different types of incision and flap creation techniques that are each suited to varying conditions. A tension-free flap closure is desirable for procedures like guided bone regeneration, or to cover the root of a natural tooth. Using a tension-free flap closure can help promote less discomfort for the patient and an improved surgical outcome due to faster healing and the decreased risk of postoperative infections.