Western Society of Periodontics

Clinical Studies

Volume Number 4, 1995

Coronally positioned palatal sliding flap

The authors describe a new flap design for the coverage of barrier membrane over implants in one patient, and to provide localized ridge augmentation around implants in another. The technique requires a series of incisions to split the thickness of palatal tissue so that the layers may be capable of sliding and rotating one over the other. The design allows for adequate zone of attached gingiva to cover the affected area and to minimize tension in achieving primary closure of the flap. The new palatal flap design may be indicated for a variety of periodontal surgical procedures, including GTR and implant surgery. [J.Y.K.]