Dental implant uncovering techniques with emphasis on increasing keratinized mucosa

The focus in implantology today is on the need to achieve results that are not only functional but also long-lasting and highly esthetic. Increased width and thickness of keratinized mucosa (KM) around dental implants, which is now widely recognized to be associated with better long-term success than implants without KM, addresses these goals. This is especially important in the esthetic zone, where marginal recession can be of concern. The author describes the following methods of implant uncovering that emphasize enhancement of the keratinized mucosa: the punch technique; buccally advanced flap; roll flap; tissue preservation technique; free connective tissue graft; and pedicle flap.