The Significance of Keratinized Peri-Implant Mucosa

Keratinized mucosa belongs to the masticatory mucosa, while nonkeratinizing mucosa belongs to the lining mucosa. Dental implants may be installed in either of these mucosal types. For the long-standing stability of the peri-implant mucosal tissues it is debated whether a band of keratinized mucosa surrounding the implant is needed. Increasing evidence from recent well-designed clinical studies points to that necessity. Hence, it may be anticipated that in certain cases the band of keratinized mucosa needs to be widened to at least 2 mm. Keywords: Keratinized mucosa, dental implant