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.