Coronally positioned palatal sliding flap.

A new flap design, the coronally positioned palatal sliding flap, was used to cover barrier membrane placed over implants in one patient, and to provide localized ridge augmentation around implants in another patient. The method is a valid surgical approach because of the favorable risk-benefit ratio. The surgical technique is easy to to perform, and it is possible to obtain a sufficient sliding position of the palatal tissue. This new palatal flap design may be indicated for a variety of periodontal surgical procedures, including guided tissue regeneration and implant surgery.