Surgical Approach for Facial Peri-implant Soft Tissue Deficiency in the Esthetic Area

Abstract

Peri-implant soft tissue dehiscence/deficiency (PSTD) is an apical shift in the peri-implant facial soft tissue margin, including mid-facial recession, mucosal recession or dehiscence, soft-tissue dehiscence/deficiency, or a soft-tissue defect. PSTD of maxillary anterior implants can be resolved with soft tissue grafting to improve esthetics of the implant-supported crown and health of peri-implant tissue. Here, we report two cases of efficiently managed PSTD using different surgical procedures in the esthetic area. The soft tissue augmentation technique, including subepithelial connective tissue grafting with a coronally advanced flap and free gingival graft, could achieve healthy peri-implant tissue and esthetics of the implant-supported crown through coverage of PSTD. Clinicians should prevent PSTD by fully considering the factors that increase the risk of PSTD before implant placement.