Dental Infection Cause of Flap Loss in Cleft Palate Repair

Flap necrosis is a very common complication encountered after cleft palate repair, especially in uni-pedicled flaps. Many causes have been attributed to this complication but very limited data is available in the literature on dental infection as the cause of flap necrosis. This report of a case describes loss of flap caused due to a periapical granuloma of dental origin impinging on the pedicle causing suspected thrombosis of the pedicle resulting in flap necrosis. Since this is an important cause that can be easily prevented, it is reported.