The present invention relates generally to methods of performing periodontal surgeries, and instruments for performing said surgeries. A method of performing periodontal surgery to correct a gingival defect of a patient according to a general embodiment comprises the steps of making an incision at or near a fornix of the patient near the gingival defect, inserting an instrument into the incision to detach a flap, advancing the flap horizontally without enlarging the incision, elevating a papilla within the flap, stretching the flap to cover the gingival defect, and pressing against the flap to promote fibrin formation. An instrument for performing periodontal surgery according to one general embodiment comprises a handle, a first shank connecting to and extending from the handle, a connector section, and a blade section. The connector section further comprises a first end and a second end, wherein the first end connects to the first shank at a first angle, and the second end connects to the blade section at a second angle. Further, the blade section is approximately perpendicular to a plane formed by the handle and the connector section, and a cutting surface of the blade section is parallel to the second end of the connector section.