Enhancing Soft-Tissue Around Dental Implants: The Importance of Keratinized Mucosa Width and Mucosal Thickness.

The long-term success of dental implants depends not only on osseointegration but also on the maintenance of healthy peri-implant soft tissue. This article addresses the importance of keratinized mucosa width (KMW) and mucosal thickness (MT) in supporting peri-implant health and esthetic outcomes. Diagnostic methods for evaluating KMW and MT are outlined with clinical indications for enhancing deficient soft tissues using autogenous grafts or biomaterials such as acellular dermal matrices and collagen matrices. Clinical cases are provided that highlight the optimal timing for soft-tissue management, whether prior to implant placement, during implant placement, or at second-stage healing abutment placement, to assess outcomes.