Tissue tears happen when elevation is attempted before incisions are fully cut down to bone.

• Blade Contact: Use a #15 or #15C blade angled at 90 degrees to the cortical plate. Ensure continuous bone contact throughout the entire stroke.

• Elevation Mechanics: Place the curved face of a periosteal elevator flat against the alveolar plate. Use a firm, push-and-peel motion rather than prying or digging.

• Retractor Discipline: Rest your surgical retractor passively against solid bone, not on delicate reflected soft tissue edges. Never compress the base of the flap against adjacent teeth.