[Research progress in the clinical significance of peri-implant keratinized mucosa width]

Keratinized mucosa width (KMW) is one of the main components of peri-implant phenotype. The impact of KMW adequacy on peri-implant soft and hard tissues health has been a focus question among periodontology and implantology in recent years. The present article reviewed the research progress on the clinical significance of peri-implant KMW. Recent evidence has indicated that a narrow band of peri-implant KMW was associated with more significant plaque accumulation, peri-implant soft and hard tissues inflammations and patient discomfort. Clinicians should enhance their understanding on the relationship between peri-implant KMW and peri-implant health. Soft tissue considerations should be integrated in implant treatment designing to develop a more comprehensive, biologically oriented treatment plan, and timely interventions for sites with insufficient KMW is essential to maintain the long-term health and stability of peri-implant tissues.