What are scissors and nippers primarily used for in periodontal surgery?

Scissors and nippers play a crucial role in periodontal surgery, particularly in the management and refinement of soft tissue. Their primary use is to trim the margins of surgical flaps and remove excess tissue tags that may arise during the procedure. This is vital for ensuring that the flap has well-defined edges, which can promote better healing and a more aesthetically pleasing outcome post-surgery.

Trimming the flap margins helps in achieving a proper fit during closure, minimizing tension on the sutures, and facilitating optimal healing conditions. Additionally, removing tissue tags helps to avoid potential irritants that could lead to complications such as infection or delayed healing. The precision that scissors and nippers provide is invaluable in maintaining the integrity of the surgical site and supporting the overall goals of periodontal surgery.

Other instruments mentioned, such as those for tooth extraction, suturing, or flap reflection and repositioning, serve different specific purposes in the surgical process. While they are essential in their own right, they do not overlap with the specific function of scissors and nippers in the context of trimming and refining soft tissue.