Objectives: An alternative miniature flap design for impacted third molars is compared to the reverse L flap design. The search for the ideal flap is an ongoing process. The principle of surgical flap design is to provide proper access with as little damage to soft tissue as possible and still provide good / adequate blood supply as well as proper access to allow adequate vision and space for instrumentation. From the patient's point of view, the post-op complications in terms of pain and swelling must be limited to as little as possible. In previous studies, the reverse L flap design showed to produce less swelling and pain compared to the commonly used envelope flap. Methods: For this prospective study, on a panoramic radiograph the impactions must present as symmetrical, bilateral, impacted, lower, third molars that should still be fully covered by mucosa (mirror images). On the day of surgery, the side for the reverse L flap and the alternative miniature flap is decided on a random base without informing the patient of which flap is on which side. The patients give feedback on their experience of pain and swelling between the two sides over a period of seven days by using a visual analogue scale. Results: Results for 15 cases showed that patients experience less oedema and pain with the alternative miniature flap design. Conclusions: Preliminary results indicates a positive outcome in relation to oedema and pain |