Soft tissue management during implant maintenance

Peri-implant soft tissue problems seen during the maintenance phase of implant therapy include an inadequate zone of keratinized tissue, mobility of grafted tissue, mucosal "pouching," gingival hyperplasia, gingival fistulas, and gingivitis. Techniques to alleviate or reduce these problems include free soft tissue autografts, apically positioned flaps, reduction of tissue thickness by a flap procedure or gingivectomy, and increased attention to the control of inflammation.