Why Your Dental Implant Needs the Right Amount of Gum: A Simple Guide
Understanding Gums and Dental Implants
I recently went to the Osteogenics 2025 Soft Tissue Symposium and I’d like to share some of what I learned. When you get a dental implant to replace a missing tooth, it's not just about making sure the metal post goes into your jawbone. The gums around your implant need to be the right thickness and quality too! Think of it like planting a tree—you need good soil around the roots for it to thrive.
How Thick Should Your Gums Be?
- Around the top of your implant: At least 2mm thick; 3–4mm is ideal for bone-level implants
- On the front (cheek) side: At least 2mm to avoid a gray or see-through appearance
- Keratinized tissue: At least 2mm of firm, pink tissue for long-term protection
What Happens If Your Gums Are Too Thin?
- Gums might appear grayish
- Recession (gum pulling back) around the implant
- Higher risk of infection
- Your smile may look less natural
How Dentists Fix Thin Gums
Free Gingival Graft
- Creates a firm band of protective tissue
- Great when you have little or no keratinized gum
- Taken from the roof of your mouth
- Can be uncomfortable and may look like a patch—but appearance usually doesn’t matter in hidden areas
Connective Tissue Graft (Gold Standard)
- Taken from under the surface of your palate
- Improves both thickness and strength
- More natural looking than a free graft
- Still involves some healing at the donor site
Modern Option: Donor Tissue (Skin-Like Material)
- Uses medical-grade donor material
- More comfortable, no tissue taken from you
- Looks great—perfect for front teeth
- Less firm than your own tissue but adds volume
How Your Periodontist Chooses the Best Graft
- Desired appearance of your smile
- Current gum thickness
- Need for strength vs. appearance
- Your comfort level with different options
Using Technology to Plan Treatment
- 3D imaging helps measure gum thickness
- Digital planning improves precision
- Results are more predictable and customized
Taking Care of Your Gums After Treatment
- Follow cleaning instructions carefully
- Come in for regular checkups every 3–6 months
- Use implant-specific floss
- Don’t skip hygiene visits—early detection is key!
The Bottom Line
Getting the right gum thickness around your dental implant is like giving it a solid foundation. Whether it’s a free gingival graft, a connective tissue graft, or donor material, your periodontist will guide you to the best option based on your smile goals, gum health, and comfort level.
With the right care, dental implants can look natural and last a lifetime—just like a tree that thrives in healthy, well-prepared soil.
If you're considering dental implants, ask your dentist about checking your gum thickness. It’s an important step to avoid future problems and ensure beautiful results.
