What is the purpose of a lateral wedge flap in periodontal surgery?

The lateral wedge flap is specifically designed to gain access to periodontal defects, particularly those located on the lateral surfaces of teeth. This type of flap allows surgeons to expose the underlying bone and soft tissue in order to address localized periodontal issues, such as deep pockets or furcation involvement. By creating a flap that can be easily repositioned, practitioners are able to effectively clean and debride the affected area, apply regenerative techniques, and promote healing.

The design of the lateral wedge flap is specifically tailored for access rather than closure of open wounds or cosmetic enhancements. While closure of wounds, cosmetic considerations, and facilitation of bone grafting may be other surgical objectives in different contexts, they are not the primary focus of this particular flap technique. Thus, gaining access to and treating periodontal defects is the central purpose of employing a lateral wedge flap in surgical periodontal procedures.