THE USE OF FREE GINGIVAL GRAFTS IN THE TREATMENT OF PERI-IMPLANT SOFT TISSUE COMPLICATIONS

Abstract

Soft tissue complications including gingival hyperplasia, peri-implantitis, inadequate vestibular depth, and insufficient attached tissue may occur adjacent to endosseous implants. In most clinical cases vestibuloplasty and grafting techniques to establish a wider zone of keratinized tissue are not needed. A clinical case is presented involving peri-implant mucosal areas exhibiting persistent inflammation and progressive recession. A free gingival palatal graft was used to correct the soft tissue defects and provide optimal peri-implant health in order to increase the long-term prognosis of the implant reconstruction.