The role of gingival mucoperiosteal flaps in the repair of alveolar clefts

Secondary bone grafting of alveolar clefts has become a well-established procedure. However, little attention has been given to the soft-tissue coverage of these grafts. We present our experience with 32 patients in which gingival mucoperiosteal flaps were used exclusively in conjunction with bone grafting for patients with residual alveolar clefts. The indications and timing of the procedure as well as the steps of the technique are presented. The advantages of bone grafting at the stage of mixed dentition and the superiority of gingival mucoperiosteal flaps, including teeth eruption through the graft, additional teeth support, dental hygiene and aesthetic appearance of the alveolar ridge, are discussed. Our results are compared with those obtained with similar or other techniques.