The present article focuses on the properties and indications of scaffold‐based extracellular matrix (ECM) technologies as alternatives to autogenous soft tissue grafts for periodontal and peri‐implant plastic surgical reconstruction. The different processing methods for the creation of cell‐free constructs resulting in preservation of the extracellular matrices influence the characteristics and behavior of scaffolding biomaterials. The aim of this review is to discuss the properties, clinical application, and limitations of ECM‐based scaffold technologies in periodontal and peri‐implant soft tissue augmentation when used as alternatives to autogenous soft tissue grafts.