Australian Dental Council (ADC) Test 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The statement that the mucous membrane is carefully separated from the periosteum is indeed not a requirement of an adequate mucosal periosteal flap. In fact, the rationale for creating a mucosal periosteal flap is to maintain the integrity of the vascular supply, which is predominantly provided by the underlying periosteum and the periosteal blood vessels.

An adequate mucosal periosteal flap should retain a connection between the mucous membrane and the periosteum to ensure that the flap remains viable and has an adequate blood supply. If the mucous membrane were improperly or excessively separated from the periosteum, the flap could become necrotic due to a lack of blood supply. This highlights the importance of ensuring that a significant portion of the vascular connection is preserved when forming the flap.

The requirement that the base is wider than the free margin ensures sufficient blood supply is included within the base of the flap, which is critical for healing. The smooth contour of the margin aids in wound healing and minimizes scar formation, while the presence of a base containing blood supply is fundamental to the flap's viability.