The significance of keratinized mucosa around dental implants for the prevention of biologic complications has been a subject of controversy. Agreement, however, exists on the benefits provided to achieve more satisfactory oral hygiene measures and reduced clinical inflammation. A prospective interventional case series of 14 patients (31 implants) were examined every 3 months for up to 12 months. The effect of soft tissue conditioning by means of free autologous epithelial graft on the management of peri-implantitis with supracrestal and/or dehiscence-type defect morphology was evaluated. All clinical parameters were significantly reduced (P < .001), with complete disease resolution in 78.6% of the patients and 87.1% of the peri-implantitis implants. Unsuccessful cases were associated with less gain of keratinized mucosa, deep probing pocket depths, bleeding on probing, and less satisfaction during brushing at 12 months. Dimensional changes following soft tissue grafting were more significant during the first 3 months and led to a 42.4% shrinkage at 12 months. Soft tissue conditioning by means of free autologous epithelial graft in combination with apically positioned flap is a viable and effective therapy to manage peri-implantitis associated with deficient keratinized mucosa.
