Thin gum around a front implant: connective tissue graft with a three-year follow-up

A front implant inclined towards the lip, with thin gum showing the shadow of the implant. We removed the abutment and grafted connective tissue to thicken the gum. About three years later, contour and thickness are excellent.

A case close to our hearts

This is the case of our colleague Dr. Mostafa Samy.

He had a front implant clearly inclined towards the lip, with thin gum that let the grey shadow of the implant show through, and some recession.

Treatment

We removed the abutment, made a vestibular incision and placed a connective tissue graft to thicken the gum around the implant. He then continued with a cantilever restoration.

About three years later

Excellent contour, clear thickness, and the shadow is gone. A soft tissue graft is one of the most reliable long-term solutions in cases like this.

We are still deciding: a new implant, or continue with the cantilever?

Clinical details for dentists

1 Before: buccally inclined implant, thin mucosa and recession
2 Abutment removed
3 Peri-implant soft tissue: lateral view
4 About 3-year follow-up: contour and thickness

Case summary

Buccally inclined anterior implant with thin peri-implant mucosa (show-through) and recession.

Treatment

Abutment removal.
Vestibular incision; connective tissue graft to increase peri-implant soft-tissue thickness.
Restoration continued as a cantilever.

Follow-up

About 3 years: excellent contour and thickness, no show-through.

Take-home message

Soft-tissue grafting gives predictable, long-lasting results for thin phenotypes around implants.

Have a similar case?Send us a photo or ask on WhatsApp, and we will tell you your options.

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