Vestibular frenectomy in periodontal plastic surgery

Abstract

Vestibular frena are bands of soft tissue that connect the lip or cheek to the alveolar mucosa or to the gum and that can restrict their movements. These mucosal folds can, in some cases, attach too close to the teeth and are associated to a persistent diastema. Additionally, if this frenum is too tight, it can cause gum recession by pulling the gums away from the teeth. The position of a frenum can become more apical and be corrected during growth with anterior teeth eruption. However, when it causes self-consciousness, pain, or gum recession, a frenectomy is indicated. The frenectomy is a simple procedure which involves total surgical removal of a frenum. The presence of a hypertrophic maxillary vestibular medial frenum associated with a diastema is the most commonly encountered indication in children. Its elimination will contribute to diastema closure that will stay stable over time.