Implant surgery: the management of soft tissues.

Soft tissue healing plays a significant role in determining the outcome of implant and other osseous surgery. A variety of methods is required to accomplish primary soft tissue closure. These include the techniques of undermining; free grafting, both full and split thickness; and pedicle grafting. Preprosthetic surgery, which includes the correction of high muscle attachments and vestibular deficiencies, involves the use of broad spectrum grafting modalities in order to create an appropriate environment for the placement of implants.