Although dental implants are done for more than aesthetic reasons, including preservation of oral health and function, patients want cosmetically pleasing results. A successful dental implant will be barely, if at all noticeable to the average person and will look and function like a natural tooth. A significant part of the dental implant procedure is to manage soft tissue retraction and exposure of the implant area, since this can have a marked effect on the aesthetic outcome of the procedure. For example, the alveolar mucosa, or the mucosal lining of the dental alveoli, can be affected during an implant procedure when the buccal flap is made. The alveolar mucosa is the soft tissue between the lips and the gums, and it’s important for periodontists to keep this area of the mouth intact during the implant procedure whenever possible. Destruction of the alveolar mucosa during an implant procedure may be considered implant failure, particularly when implants are done in the front of the mouth.