The rationale for soft-tissue grafting and vestibuloplasty in association with endosseous implants: a literature review.
Significant soft-tissue complications have been reported around endosseous implant permucosal abutments. Peri-implantitis with associated bone loss can have a negative effect on the long-term prognosis of the implant reconstruction. The rationale for soft-tissue grafting and vestibuloplasty techniques is presented in the form of a literature review. The implant sulcular epithelium, permucosal seal, and the peri-implant connective tissues are discussed. The etiology of soft-tissue complications as well as the significance of attached gingiva surrounding implant abutments are presented along with techniques for surgical intervention.