Papilla Preservation Flap
Pronunciation: pah-PIL-ah prez-ur-VAY-shun flap
A surgical flap design that maintains the interdental papilla intact to optimise aesthetics and reduce post-surgical tissue recession at interproximal sites.
Full Definition
The papilla preservation flap (PPF) technique, introduced by Takei and later refined by Cortellini and Tonetti, is used in regenerative periodontal surgery to maintain the volume of the interdental papilla and achieve primary wound closure over regenerative materials. By avoiding incisions through the papilla, the technique minimises post-operative recession and enhances clinical outcomes in anterior and aesthetic zones. Variants include the modified papilla preservation technique (MPPT) and the simplified papilla preservation flap (SPPF). Editors should ensure the correct variant is named and that the originating authors are properly credited in citation-sensitive contexts. The term 'papilla' should not be misrendered as 'papillae' unless referring to the plural.
Usage
Usage note: Specify which variant (PPF, MPPT, or SPPF) is used, as these differ in incision design and indication. Abbreviate as 'PPF' only after definition. Ensure 'papilla' is not incorrectly pluralised to 'papillae' when referring to a single interdental unit.
In Context
- "A simplified papilla preservation flap was designed to allow placement of the enamel matrix derivative without compromising the interdental soft tissue." — Periodontal regeneration operative note
- "The methods section refers to a 'papilla preservation flap' without specifying the variant; please clarify for reproducibility." — Clinical trial manuscript editorial query