A narrative review of papilla preservation techniques in clinical dentistry

The interdental papilla is closely associated with oral health and dental aesthetics. Interproximal papilla is an essential component of pink aesthetics as well as an indispensable prerequisite for the health of oral tissues. The loss of papillary height not only considerably affects final esthetic results, but also brings a series of periodontal complications. The deficiency of papilla can be induced by iatrogenic factors, particularly the flap technique, which is usually employed in oral surgeries. Therefore, preservation of the interdental papilla must be a consideration of flap designs. To avoid papilla defects secondary to conventional flaps, papilla-preserving flap designs have been widely studied in clinical practice. With numerous papilla preservation techniques (PPTs) increasingly being employed, not only is the postoperative pink aesthetic better maintained, but the predictability of surgical outcomes has been significantly enhanced. However, there is a lack of adequate literature that provides a comprehensive overview of PPTs in the field of dentistry. This review summarizes the latest developments in papilla preservation flap designs in the field of oral surgery, with a particular emphasis on their indications, limitations, incision characteristics, and clinical benefits. This review may provide optimal protocols for the personalized treatment.