• Releasing incisions aid in providing visualization and surgical exposure. A vertical releasing incision should cross the free gingival margin at the line angle of the tooth and should not be directly on the facial aspect of the tooth nor directly in the papilla. The incision is not a straight vertical incision but rather oblique, to allow the base of the flap to be broader than the free gingival margin. It should not cross bony prominences, such as the canine eminence. This would increase the likelihood of tension in the suture line, thus, possible wound dehiscence. Incisions that cross the free margin of the facial aspect of the tooth do not heal well because of tension and can result in a periodontal defect of the attached gingiva. Incisions that cross the gingival papillae damage the papillae and may result in localized periodontal problems.