Periodontal Flap Surgery for Maxillary Posterior Segments

Dr. E. Barrie Kenney & Dr. Voja Lekovic

At the end of this lecture, you will be asked if you would like to take this course for continuing education units.
California Continuing Education Credits: 4 units

This program is also available in a videotape format.

	Periodontal flap surgery is planned for the upper left segment. The patient is in excellent health, and has no contraindications to surgery. The patient is given a brief description of the procedure, and the possible risks and complications are outlined. The informed consent form is then signed.
	The patient is prepared with appropriate protective glasses, and surgical cap and drapes.
	There has been a presurgical phase I therapy involving oral hygiene instruction, root planing and occlusal adjustment. This has resulted in a reduction in gingival inflammation so there will be minimal tissue tearing during surgery and optimal postsurgical healing.
	A similar response is seen on the palatal side, with the tissue having a pale pink color and firm consistency. Patients must demonstrate adequate plaque control prior to surgery as the presence of plaque is a contraindication, because it leads to poor healing and a return of periodontal defects.

The set of UCLA periodontal flap surgical instruments has been prepared and checked for completeness. The instruments are laid out in specific groups in an organized way that will be maintained throughout the procedure.
First, the local anesthesia group.
Then, a periodontal probe and explorers.
Next, surgical knives and scalpels, followed by the periosteal elevators and bone chisels, together with the surgical curettes.
There is an ultrasonic scaler, and beside this are the hand scalers and the Gracey (SP) universal curettes.
There is a sharpening stone and a mirror for the assistant.
Above this are the needle holder, curved hemostat, and scissors. A plastic syringe and metal bowl are used for sterile saline, and there are cotton pliers and sterile gauze.
Finally, we have the silk suture material.

PERIODONTICS INFORMATION CENTER