Soft tissue management around dental implants – a review

Peri-implant soft tissue management is a critical determinant of long-term dental implant success, influencing esthetics, biological stability, and patient comfort. While early implantology prioritized osseointegration, contemporary evidence emphasizes the importance of keratinized mucosa width, mucosal thickness, and soft tissue contour in preventing inflammation, marginal bone loss, and mucosal recession. Autogenous grafts such as free gingival grafts (FGG) and subepithelial connective tissue grafts (SCTG) remain the gold standard for soft tissue augmentation, whereas acellular dermal matrices, collagen scaffolds, and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) provide effective alternatives with reduced morbidity. Proper surgical technique, including meticulous flap design, vascular preservation, and biologically guided prosthetic planning, is essential for maintaining peri-implant tissue health. Digital technologies, minimally invasive approaches, and phenotype-based planning further enhance esthetic and functional outcomes. Integrating these strategies ensures predictable long-term stability, optimal esthetic results, and improved patient satisfaction, highlighting soft tissue management as a cornerstone of modern implant therapy.