Peri-implant soft tissue thickening
Peri-implant soft tissue thickening is a method used to restore lost tissue volumes that are caused by extensive bone resorption or by diseases such as peri-implantitis. In particular, thin biotypes are predisposed to mucosal recessions after implant placement; therefore, preoperative evaluation of the existing bone volume and the surrounding soft tissue health are crucial [1,2]. Depending on the individual clinical situation, which can be classified according to Pallaci and Ericsson [3,4], soft tissue thickening can be performed prior, simultaneously to implant placement or during a secondary surgery to improve the clinical result. A well-balanced soft tissue is characterized by a specific contour, surface structure, and color comparable to that of the surrounding healthy gingiva [5]. In addition, the quantity of the soft tissue, which protects the underlying alveolar bone and increase the resistance against plaque-induced tissue damage, is a parameter that should not be undervalued [6,7]. Similarly, to the autologous tissue, mucoderm® can be applied using all well-established periodontal flap techniques with the benefit to reduce chair time as well as patient´s discomfort and pain.