General Principles for Incisions

The general principles for placing incisions so as to create surgical flaps remain the same regardless of the reason for creating them. These are (as listed by Peterson2 )

1. A sharp blade of the proper size should be used, usually a # 15 blade on a # 3 BP Handle.

2. A firm, continuous stroke should be used when incising.

3. The surgeon should carefully avoid cutting vital structures when incising.

4. Incisions through epithelial surfaces that the surgeon plans to reapproximate should be made with the blade held perpendicular to the epithelial surface.

5. Incisions in the oral cavity should be properly placed. It is more desirable to incise through attached gingiva and over  healthy bone than through unattached gingiva and over unhealthy bone.