What is the advantage of a papilla sparing incision?

A papilla sparing incision is a surgical technique that focuses on preserving the interdental papilla, which is the soft tissue between the teeth. The primary advantage of this incision is that it reduces the likelihood of the papilla receding, thus helping to maintain the esthetic appearance of the area. This preservation is crucial in preventing the development of black triangles, which can occur when there is a loss of tissue in the interdental space. Such spaces can lead to esthetic concerns and might require additional treatments to restore the appearance.

While speed and efficiency in surgical procedures can be important, the main goal of a papilla sparing incision pertains to the preservation of tissue rather than time savings. Additionally, making a complete sulcular incision around adjacent teeth might improve access but does not provide the same benefit of preserving the papilla tissue. Lastly, the notion that papilla sparing knees would lead to more recession for the purpose of interproximal periodontal brushes contradicts the aims of this surgical method, which are focused on esthetic and restorative outcomes. Thus, the preservation of the papilla is the key advantage, directly contributing to better long-term oral health and aesthetics.