Extracting teeth due to advanced periodontal disease is undoubtedly the most common surgical procedure performed in companion animal practice. As such, a solid understanding of flaps is warranted.
Classifying flaps
Partial- or split-thickness (mucosal) flaps leave the periosteum at the donor site, avoid larger blood vessels, and allow suture placement in the periosteum. Partial-thickness flaps are indicated where there are thin bony plates; in areas of dehiscence or fenestration where bone must be protected; and in areas where bone loss is permanent.
