Laterally sliding flap surgical approach for soft tissue closure in post-extraction alveolar ridges: technique and clinical results presented in a case series

Background: Since the decade of the 1970s different techniques have been developed to achieve primary closure. An alternate lingual/palatal sliding flap surgical technique to obtain primary soft tissue closure in post extraction socket sites was present with followed during six months. Methods: Ten teeth including incisors, canines and premolars were atraumatically extracted, followed by a lingual or palatal sliding flap to obtain primary closure of the sockets. Before the extraction measurements of the mucogingival junction were done with a periodontal probe for displacement evaluation. Results: The sites were followed-up to six months, and no complications such as flap necrosis, excessive bleeding, pain, or displacement of the mucogingival junction (MGJ) were recorded. Conclusions: The laterally sliding flap variant presented is a simple, versatile, and predictable, technique to obtain primary wound closure of maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth, while preserving the position of the mucogingival junction.