Rationale for Gingival Tissue Augmentation and Vestibuloplasty Around Teeth and Dental Implants

Soft tissue augmentation procedures have long-standing tradition of clinical use to improve the width and thickness of sites lacking an adequate band of keratinized tissue (KT). Regarding the importance of KT, it has long been suggested that a minimum 2 mm KT band (with at least 1 mm of tissue attached) appears to be required to preserve the health of periodontal tissues. Gingival augmentation might positively influence the biologic remodeling of periodontal dimensions associated with the aging process. Therefore, the use of free gingival grafts can produce more beneficial keratinized tissue band proportions and reduce gingival recession depth over time. Thus, this chapter will focus on the clinical use of the most current and common surgical approaches advocated to augment the attached gingiva and peri-implant mucosa.