Management of the Lingual Flap during Vertical Augmentation of Atrophic Anterior Mandible: Anatomical Overview and Description of the Technique.

Vertical ridge augmentation in the anterior mandible is a technically delicate procedure that requires knowledge of some anatomical structures to reduce peri- and post-operative complications. Proper soft tissue management is one of the primary aspects to the success of these techniques, enabling tension-free primary wound closure and preventing membrane exposure. In this cadaveric and clinical study, we provided an anatomical overview of the lingual portion of the anterior mandible. Moreover, we described a novel surgical approach for the release of the lingual flap that will help clinicians achieve primary closure without incurring intrasurgical complications.