Where should the incision be made during the second stage surgery for a patient with a 3mm band of attached gingiva?

The correct incision choice for the second stage surgery, particularly in the context of a patient with a 3mm band of attached gingiva, is a buccal incision. This approach allows for adequate exposure and accessibility to the surgical site while minimizing trauma to the surrounding tissues.

A buccal incision positions the surgical access aligned with the natural contours of the oral cavity, facilitating a clearer view and better manipulation of the tissue. Given that the patient has a limited band of attached gingiva, the buccal incision can be advantageous in preserving the attached gingiva as much as possible while effectively exposing the area beneath it for the procedure at hand.

In contrast, other incision options could compromise the healing potential or may not provide the best access necessary for successful surgical intervention. For example, a lingual incision might not be appropriate due to the proximity to other structures and the potential for increased complications or discomfort. Vertical and horizontal incisions could likewise lead to challenges in maintaining the integrity of the attached gingiva and may not offer the same level of surgical efficacy in this particular situation. Therefore, the buccal incision is optimal for achieving both surgical objectives and patient safety.