Flaps should have a wide base to maintain which supply, and the incision should be made where relative to the teeth?

• A. Blood supply; between
• B. Nerve supply; around
• C. Bone supply; over
• D. Tissue supply; through

Answer: (A)

A flap needs a wide base to preserve a robust blood supply. When the base of the flap is broad, the vascular pedicle remains large, keeping arteries and capillaries intact from the surrounding gingival tissue and periosteum. This helps ensure good perfusion to the reflected tissue, promotes healthier healing, and reduces the risk of flap necrosis or delayed healing.

Placing the incision between the teeth helps maintain the integrity of the interdental papilla and its blood supply. By keeping the papillary tissue intact and connecting the flap to the sides between adjacent teeth, the vascular network that nourishes the flap is preserved, supporting better survival and contour after reflection.