Peri-implant tissues health and its association to the gingival phenotype

Renata Barbosa Mello Paiva, José Alfredo Gomes de Mendonça, Elton Gonçalves Zenóbio

Peri-implant tissue is an adaptation of the masticatory mucosa to the different implant systems placed in the oral cavity. The lack of root cement to anchor gingival fibers to the surface of the implant is responsible for the parallel direction of the fibers around it. The absence of connective attachment between the mucosa and the implant may suggest a deficiency of the structural defenses in the region and may be associated with the more rapid progression of peri-implantitis than of periodontitis. Several studies have evaluated the importance of epithelial connections to form an adequate seal around implants. Other discussions have focused on the evaluation of whether peri-implant gingival health may be correlated with the presence of a specific amount (height and thickness) of keratinized mucosa. This study evaluated the association of the structural role of the soft tissue and the effect of gingiva phenotype on periimplant health. The studies that were reviewed stressed the importance of a good biological seal around the implant system, the protective function that the structures of this tissue provide to the bone-implant interface, and the discussion about the need to have a band of keratinized mucosa around tooth implants to ensure a better prognosis. Current studies point to the need to conduct further investigations to evaluate the effect of the clinical characteristics of soft peri-implant tissues so that peri-implant health may be ensured and preserved.

Keywords: Mucositis. Peri-implantitis. Keratinized mucosa

How to cite: Paiva RBM, Mendonça JAG, Zenóbio EG. Peri-implant tissues health and its association to the gingival phenotype. Dental Press Implantol. 2012 Oct-Dec;6(4):104-13.

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