A comparative study of the wound healing of three types of flap design used in periapical surgery.

The clinical and histological features of wound healing of three common types of surgical flap designs used in periapical surgery were evaluated. A semilunar incision of alveolar mucosa, a submarginal incision of attached gingiva, and an intrasulcular incision of the attachment apparatus and papillae of the teeth were performed on beagles and observed at intervals of up to 60 days. Inflammatory changes persisted longer in the semilunar and intrasulcular incisions and retarded healing of the wound. Loss of alveolar bone occurred with the intrasuIcular incision. Visible scarring occurred in the submarginal and semilunar incisions.