A modified suture technique for plastic periodontal and implant surgery--the double-crossed suture.

To enable uneventful and accelerated healing processes to occur, common techniques in plastic periodontal and implant surgery focus on stable postoperative flap positions. Flap stability is, in particular, positively influenced by an adequate suturing technique, which therefore represents one important factor with regard to the predictability of successful treatment outcomes. The following article illustrates the use of a modified suturing technique, which aims to improve wound adaptation and soft tissue stabilization after surgical treatment with tunneling flap preparation techniques. Anchored at the incisal contact points of the affected teeth, the suture is crossed through the buccal as well as through the palatal aspect. In this manner, the suture maintains the surgically established coronal displacement of the buccal flap and provides a stable and intimate contact to the underlying tissues.