Reconstruction of oral defects using mucogingival pedicle flaps

There are many oral pathological conditions that greatly impact the health and the longevity of small animals and require surgical closure. Surgical treatment success is dependent on an accurate diagnosis of the problem. The pet's signalment, medical history, clinical signs, and adjunctive diagnostics (radiographs and histology) are all used concurrently to ascertain a working diagnosis. Once determined, the pathology's management and the subsequent reconstruction of normal anatomy become the surgeon's goals. The use of mucogingival flaps in this reconstruction process is integral to the therapy's success. The oral cavity's abundant blood supply and rapid healing allow these flaps to be well tolerated by the animal and quite resistant to breakdown. Flap designs and implementation are important to this healing process. This article discusses 4 diverse oral cases. Their presentations, diagnoses, and surgical corrections are discussed to show how mucogingival flaps may be used in closures of oral surgical defects.