Closure of palatal defects following excision of palatal pleomorphic adenomas.

AIM: The purpose of this study is to compare different palatal defect closure techniques following excision of palatal pleomorphic adenomas (PPA) in four cases and to review the associated dental literature. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Excision of all four PPA's was performed under local anesthesia. Three different closure techniques used among the cases included an intact mucosal flap, a pedicled buccal fat pad, or secondary healing. RESULTS: On average the defects healed completely at two months following surgery. While final healing was ideal, partial necrosis of the mucosal flap and minimal postoperative bleeding were seen as complications in two cases. CONCLUSION: Regardless of the size of the palatal defect created by the surgical excision of a PPA it heals ideally by secondary healing. However, the possibility of secondary bleeding and infection during the healing period should be kept in mind.