The fate of buccal mucosal flaps in primary palatal repair.

The fate of buccal mucosal flaps used in 50 cases at the time of primary palatal repair is reviewed. It was found that in 13 cases (26 percent) the pedicle of the flap interfered with the eruption of the permanent molars and had to be divided. Nasendoscopic examination was made of the palate in 16 cases in an attempt to visualize the buccal flap. It was identified in only three cases. It is suggested that if this flap is to be used, it must be designed carefully, and that regular intraoral examination of the patients is required around the time of eruption of the permanent molars.