What Is Keratinized Tissue And Why Is It Important In Dental Implants
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Time to read 5 min
If you're looking to improve the appearance of your smile, dental implants offer a solution to keep your teeth in good condition. They provide both functional and cosmetic advantages. However, for a dental implant to be successful, it requires a solid foundation, which includes sufficient bone density and healthy gum tissue. One crucial component in supporting both natural and prosthetic teeth is keratinized tissue.
Discover more about what is keratinized tissue, why is it important in dental implants, and how it contributes to the overall health of a  dental implant .
WHAT IS KERATINIZED DENTAL TISSUE?
Keratinized dental tissue refers to the specialized type of gum tissue that surrounds and protects the teeth and dental implants. It is characterized by its firm texture and pale pink color. This tissue contains keratin, a protein that provides strength and resilience. Keratinized tissue is usually found in the Gingiva , which is part of the gum that covers the dental bone and surrounds the teeth and dental implants.
Healthy keratinized tissue feels firm to the touch and has a color that varies from pink to brown, depending on an individual's skin tone. Its strength and durability contribute significantly to maintaining healthy teeth and supporting dental implants.
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WHY IS KERATINIZED TISSUE IMPORTANT FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS?
When it comes to dental implants, the presence of adequate keratinized tissue is crucial. This tissue provides support not only for your natural teeth but also for the prosthetic replacement tooth in the case of an implant. Several key reasons highlight the importance of keratinized tissue in dental implants:
- Appearance and Implant Placement:Â The amount of keratinized tissue present can influence the overall appearance of the dental implant. Sufficient tissue helps in achieving a natural and esthetically pleasing result after the implant procedure. Moreover, it can guide the dentist in optimal implant placement for better functional and cosmetic outcomes.
- Long-Term Success:Â Studies, such as one published in The Journal of Indian Prosthodontic Society, emphasize the significance of assessing the width and thickness of keratinized tissue before dental implant placement. Adequate keratinized gum tissue is considered essential for the long-term success of the implant.
- Plaque Control: Maintaining a good level of keratinized tissue around the dental implant site is essential for controlling plaque buildup.  Proper oral hygiene practices can be more effective when supported by sufficient keratinized tissue, reducing the risk of implant-related complications.
KERATINIZED VS. NON-KERATINIZED ORAL TISSUE
While keratinized tissue offers various benefits in supporting dental implants, it's important to understand the differences between keratinized and non-keratinized oral tissues.
KERATINIZED TISSUE:
- Rich in keratin protein, providing strength and resilience.
- Firmly attaches to teeth, offering stability and protection.
- Helps in preventing the recession of the gums.
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Better support dental implants, enhancing their longevity.
NON-KERATINIZED TISSUE:
- Lacks the abundance of keratin protein, making it more fragile.
- Lines the inside of the cheeks, lips, and floor of the mouth.
- More prone to recession and sensitivity.
- Does not provide the same level of support for dental implants.
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HOW DOES KERATINIZED TISSUE IMPACT YOUR DENTAL IMPLANT?
Keratinized tissue significantly impacts the success and longevity of dental implants. A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dentistry found that preserving or reconstructing the gum tissue at the implant site can lead to improved aesthetics and better control of plaque buildup around the implant. Dentists may differ in their opinions on the exact amount of keratinized tissue required, but its presence is vital for effective implant placement.
DENTAL PROCEDURES TO INCREASE KERATINIZED TISSUE
If you have insufficient gum tissue for a successful dental implant, your  dental professional may suggest several options to increase the amount of keratinized tissue. These procedures include:
- Modified Apically Repositioned Flap (MARF) Technique:Â In this procedure, a portion of the gum tissue is cut and reattached, generating the healing process and encouraging the production of additional tissue.
- Gum Graft: Tissue from another part of the mouth, such as the palate, can be transplanted through a gum graft procedure to increase the amount of keratinized tissue at the implant site.
Proper care and maintenance of keratinized tissue before, during, and after the implant procedure are essential for long-term success and improved oral health.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How To Get Rid Of Bad Breath?
Effective bad breath remedies include:
Gentle and regular scraping of the tongue
Regular oral care practices such as daily brushing and flossing
Professional deep cleanings and plaque removal
The ongoing use of oral probiotics.
How Probiotics Work To Control Bad Breath
One, the probiotics compete with the existing bad bacteria and reduce their presence by “crowding them out”
Two, the probiotics produce BLIS or “bacteriocin-like-inhibitory-substances” which is a technical way of stating that one probiotic strain (bacteria) can produce a substance that inhibits or kills off other bacteria. Three, by working to control gingivitis, gum disease and tooth decay these probiotics reduce the very sources of bacteria-generated odors in the mouth.
How Do Oral Probiotics Work to Fight Tooth Decay?
- First, oral probiotics can break into and colonize your mouth's biofilm, replacing the "bad" bacteria with good.
- Second, the beneficial oral probiotics compete against the bad bacteria. In effect they crowd out the "bad" bacteria by establishing themselves in the limited space of the biofilm.
- Third, now, with a lower volume of S. Mutans, and other acid-forming bacteria, the teeth and gums are not under the constant, disintegrating attack of acids.
- Fourth, at the same time, the oral probiotics are producing alkaline byproducts. This action not only reduces the acids but inhibits the growth of "bad" bacteria as they thrive in acidic environments.
- Fifth, as a part of the biofilm, the oral probiotics are able to make their way into those difficult to reach deep areas of the teeth and gums. Once there they can continuously work, 24/7, to create a balanced environment that inhibits tooth decay and gum disease while promoting the healing process.
How do Oral Probiotics Help Against Gum Disease?
- First, our oral probiotics are chosen for their ability to penetrate into and to colonize within the biofilm (plaque) and to survive in the oral environment
- Second, these oral probiotics have the ability to successfully compete against the harmful bacteria. There are limited resources in the biofilm and with more beneficial bacteria present then fewer harmful bacteria can exist
- Third, it is not the presence of plaque that is so much the problem, it is the acids and toxins produced by certain bacteria that lead to gum disease and tooth decay. Fewer harmful bacteria in the plaque=lowered toxins and acids
- Fourth, our oral probiotics improve your mouth's pH balance. This has the effect of reducing acid levels and establishes a pH level that inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria
- Fifth, unlike brushing or flossing our oral probiotics work their way into those difficult to reach "hideout" zones and so they will work “around the clock” and not just when you brush or floss
Studies have shown a clear reduction in plaque levels and gingivitis symptoms when oral probiotics were administered to patients with moderate to severe gingivitis.Â
