Expert consensus on peri-implant keratinized mucosa augmentation at second-stage surgery

Area of Science:

• Dental Implantology
• Periodontology
• Oral Surgery

Background:

• Adequate peri-implant keratinized mucosa (PIKM) width is essential for maintaining long-term peri-implant health and stability.
• Current surgical techniques for PIKM augmentation are effective but present challenges in selection and application due to varied clinical scenarios and patient anatomy.
• Lack of standardized guidelines complicates decision-making for dental practitioners regarding PIKM augmentation procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish clear guidelines and considerations for peri-implant keratinized mucosa (PIKM) augmentation.
• To focus on commonly employed surgical techniques for PIKM augmentation and factors influencing their selection at second-stage surgery.
• To provide evidence-based guidance for enhancing the predictability and success of PIKM augmentation procedures.

Main Methods:

• Expert consensus development on surgical techniques for PIKM augmentation.
• Analysis of factors influencing the selection of PIKM augmentation methods in various clinical situations.
• Framework development for assessing, planning, and executing PIKM augmentation.

Main Results:

• Identification of key surgical techniques for PIKM augmentation.
• Elucidation of critical factors guiding the choice of PIKM augmentation methods.
• Proposal of a standardized approach to PIKM augmentation procedures.

Conclusions:

• Standardized guidelines are needed to address the heterogeneity in surgical techniques and clinical scenarios for PIKM augmentation.
• This expert consensus offers a framework to improve the predictability and success of peri-implant keratinized mucosa augmentation.
• Evidence-based guidance is crucial for dental practitioners performing PIKM augmentation to ensure optimal long-term peri-implant health.