A coronally positioned single flap approach in periodontal reconstructive surgery

Aim of work. The goal of this article is to describe an innovative surgical technique for the treatment of periodontal bony defects that combines the characteristics of both reconstructive and mucogingival techniques. Method. The special features of this technique, named Coronally Positioned Single Flap Approach (CP-SFA), consist in a surgical flap elevated just on one side (buccal or lingual/palatal), and in its coronal reposition that is stabilized thanks to interdental papillae whose epithelium has been removed. Clinical implications. This surgical technique has many advantages, for instance the improvement of periodontal aesthetics due to reduced post surgical contraction and discomfort for the patient because of a smaller surgical field. The site selected for this technique must meet several demands: intrabony defects localized only on buccal or lingual/patatal side, healthy and intact interproximal areas close to bony defect and the possibility of adequately cleansing of bone defects and root surfaces. Conclusions. Short term results confirm the utility of the CP-SFA; further and meticulous investigations are however needed.