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Oral Surgery · single question

When designing a flap for third molar surgery, the incision margins must:

  1. Be as short as possible to limit reflection
  2. Be placed directly over the extraction defect
  3. Rest on sound, solid bone
  4. Cross the mucogingival junction at a right angle
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Correct answer: C. Rest on sound, solid bone

  • A. Inadequate flap length causes tearing and poor access; a flap should be large enough for tension-free reflection.
  • B. Placing the incision over the defect guarantees breakdown — the classic error this rule exists to prevent.
  • C. Correct. Incision lines must be supported by intact bone. A margin lying over a bony void collapses into the defect, causing wound dehiscence and delayed healing.
  • D. The angle at the mucogingival junction is not the governing principle; bony support is.

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