The Effect of Keratinized Mucosa Width on Peri‐Implant Outcome under Supportive Postimplant Therapy

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundLong‐ranging data on the influence of keratinized mucosa (KM) on peri‐implant tissue status have been scarce.PurposeRetrospective evaluation of peri‐implant diseases and KM width in patients with versus without mucogingival surgery.Materials and MethodsUnder supportive postimplant therapy (SIT) in a private practice, 68 patients with peri‐implant KM widths <1 mm were identified between 1992 and 2011 (eight dropouts). Thirty patients rejected surgery (control [C] group), and 30 patients agreed (intervention [I] group). After at least 1 year, KM width, mucositis, and peri‐implant conditions were assessed.ResultsSixty nonsmoking patients (n = 105 implants) were available for assessment after 12.10 ± 4.93 years. No implants were lost (survival rate: 100%). An average of 10.69 years after surgery, the I group implants showed a mean KM gain of 3.10 ± 1.43 mm (C group: 0 mm).The mucositis rates were as follows: I group: 38.98%; C group: 31.91%. Peri‐implantitis was detected in two implants (1.87%) and two individuals (6.67%) in the I group.No significant differences between groups were found, except that the KM width values were significantly greater in the I group (p < 0.001).ConclusionsLow incidences of peri‐implant diseases over long periods can be expected in patients attending SIT programs, independent of the absence or presence of KM.