A pedicle flap should have which directional cuts?

• A. Mesial and distal
• B. Mesial and mesial
• C. Distal and distal
• D. Buccal and lingual

Answer: (A)

Pedicle flap relies on keeping tissue attached at its base so its blood supply remains intact as it’s moved to cover a defect. To preserve that vascular connection while still allowing the flap to reach the area needing coverage, the incisions are made toward the neighboring teeth on both sides, creating a flap with a broad base that can swing into place. Mesial and distal cuts provide the proper orientation for pulling the flap into position without detaching it. Incisions in the same direction or in buccal–lingual directions would either narrow the base or disrupt the flap’s vascular supply, compromising its viability.