The labial plate is the surface of the gums and teeth that face the inside of the upper and lower lips and inside the cheek. Since this is the part of the gums that are most easily seen by people when someone smiles, people have a strong desire that the labial plate be aesthetically pleasing. This is something that must be considered when discussing a dental implant in the front area of the mouth. Calculating the density of the labial plate bone is important when determining if an implant can be placed in the labial plate or if a bone graft will be necessary. If the labial plate is not dense enough, it cannot anchor an implant. For aesthetic purposes, many periodontists use a flapless procedure on dental implants in the labial plate, so it’s extremely difficult if not impossible to tell that a dental implant was done.