Review of Intraoral Vasculature and Implications on Incision Designs of Periodontal and Implant Surgeries

Abstract

Currently, the incision design for periodontal and implant surgeries is mainly based on the surgeon’s personal preference. The primary aim of this study is to review the intricate periodontal microvascular system and to illustrate the potential impact of commonly applied flap designs on the integrity of this system. A complete literature electronic search resulted in 37 relevant articles. The maxillary, facial, and lingual arteries supply the microvasculature system, including the supraperiosteal, intraligamental, and intraosseous arterioles. These arterioles have their own territories yet are extensively interconnected. The impact of common papilla management techniques are discussed, including tunneling; papilla base, incision, and preservation; and flap-releasing incisions. Flap design can impact reperfusion and blood inflow in the early healing phase, which eventually influences wound closure probability, healing speed, surgical predictability, tissue volume change, and postoperative morbidity. Future studies on the three-dimensional distribution of microvasculature and clinical impact of various flap designs on tissue reperfusion can lead to evidence-based incision selection and improved wound-healing outcomes.