The long-term success of dental implants relies not only on osseointegration but also on the preservation of peri-implant soft and hard tissue health. Among several influencing factors, the width of keratinized mucosa (WKM) has garnered significant interest due to its potential role in maintaining peri-implant tissue stability. This study aimed to evaluate the association between the width of keratinized mucosa and peri-implant clinical and radiographic parameters in systemically healthy individuals. Between May and September 2024, a cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Implantology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Chennai. A total of 357 systemically healthy, non-smoking individuals aged 25–60 years with a single implant in function for at least 12 months were included. Clinical parameters including plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), peri-implant probing depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), mucosal recession (MR), and WKM were recorded. Crestal bone level (CBL) was assessed radiographically. Based on WKM, implants were categorized into adequate (≥2 mm) and inadequate (<2 mm) groups. Statistical analysis was performed using the independent t-test with a significance threshold of p < 0.05. Implants with inadequate WKM exhibited significantly higher PI, GI, PPD, CAL, MR, and CBL compared to those with adequate WKM (p < 0.05), indicating poorer peri-implant tissue health.An inadequate width of keratinized mucosa was associated with unfavourable peri-implant clinical and radiographic outcomes. This highlights the importance of assessing and preserving adequate WKM around implants to enhance long-term success.
