Keratinized Tissue: terminology and best time to correct?

Keratinized tissue is not the same as attached gingiva from a terminology standpoint. You are correct in the fact that attached tissue is apical to the free gingival margin. It is the keratinized tissue that has fibers inserting from the root surface. There is no attached gingiva around an implant because the gingival fibers do not attach to the implant surface (despite what some implant companies claim). The gingival fibers around an implant originate from the bone and run parallel to the implant surface. Keratinized mucosa is much more sturdy, however, and is still recommended around implants. In regard to what to call this tissue around an implant, I simply call it "zone of keratinized tissue" or simply "keratinized tissue". There may be more descriptive terms, but I believe this to be simplest. When to augment the zone of keratinized tissue around an implant depends on the case. If it is a 2 stage implant, the most logical time is at the time of implant uncovery. If there is bone augmentation needed prior to implant, it sometimes is done before even the bone augmentation, as it is much better from a soft tissue handling standpoint to have keratinized tissue to work with and suture for the ridge graft. It is always possible after the implant has been restored, but subjects the implant to some risk if the implant is restored with little to no keratinized tissue. How much risk is open for debate.

Nice review was done in the Compendium. Available here.