The importance of stable soft tissue around dental implants is increasingly recognized. While complete circumferential bone integration of the implant remains essential, a durable soft tissue seal plays a critical role in preventing both hard and soft tissue loss. Functional considerations, such as increasing tissue thickness and the width of attached mucosa, can help reduce bone resorption and promote peri-implant health.

Achieving optimal esthetic outcomes in implant restorations is nearly impossible without soft tissue augmentation to enhance tissue volume. However, what options are available when the prosthetic reconstruction is already in place and complications arise? Can various soft tissue techniques still offer effective solutions—both functionally and esthetically?

Learning Objectives

• Soft tissue techniques are equally as important as hard tissue augmentation methods.
• A minimum of 4 mm of attached mucosa should be present on both the vestibular and oral aspects of dental implants.
• Occlusally, a soft tissue thickness of at least 2 mm—ideally 3–4 mm—should be achieved around dental implants.