What should be avoided when making vertical incisions in periodontal surgery?

When making vertical incisions in periodontal surgery, it is important to avoid incisions over the center of the interdental papilla. This is because cutting through the papilla can lead to significant tissue loss and negatively impact esthetics as well as periodontal health. The papilla serves as a critical component in maintaining the architecture of the gingiva, and making an incision directly here can compromise its integrity, potentially resulting in complications such as recession or loss of attached gingiva.

In periodontal surgery, preserving as much healthy tissue as possible is essential. Instead, incisions should be strategically placed to minimize trauma to the papillary tissue while still providing sufficient access for the procedure. This approach helps in maintaining the gingival architecture and improving healing outcomes.