Alveolar mucosa

There are three primary types of oral mucosa: lining mucosa, masticatory mucosa, and specialized mucosa. Of the types of lining mucosa, there are three kinds: alveolar mucosa, labial mucosa, and buccal mucosa. Alveolar mucosa is the soft, thin mucous membrane that sits above the marginal gingiva and the attached gingiva, and continues across the floor of the mouth, cheeks, and lips. It is bright red in color due to being rich with blood vessels, and is shiny and smooth in appearance. It is made up of nonkeratinized stratified squamous epithelium, making it delicate and sometimes difficult to work with. In oral implantology, it’s crucial to keep the alveolar mucosa intact, particularly when implants are done in the front of the mouth. Disruption of the alveolar mucosa can impact the aesthetic results of the procedure, leading to implant failure. The buccal flap should be made carefully so as to keep the alveolar mucosa intact.