Labial Frenectomy

[Anonymous]

[Anonymous]

Is a labial frenectomy usually preformed by a Periodontists or an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon?

[Jack Wasserstein, DDSMember]

Both surgical specialties perform this procedure. As a rule of thumb a Periodontist will typically do this procedure concurrently with gingival grafting, whereas an Oral Surgeon wont. This may also depend on the size of the frenum to begin with. Let me know if you have any additional questions,

Cheers,

[Anonymous]

What are the advantages and sufficient conditions for having a gingival graft when a frenectomy procedure is preformed? Where, normally in such a procedure, would the oral tissue be taken? If a relatively small frenum exist which extends 1 to 1.2 cm from the alveolar ridge to a point which is as deep as the distal end of gum line of the central incisors, could a gingival graft be recommended dependent on other factors?

[Jack Wasserstein, DDSMember]

The advantages of the graft are that it prevents the frenum from reattaching and provides a superior cosmetic result. The donor site is usually an adjacent site between a cuspid and lateral. The decision to graft increases as the frenum attachment approaches the crest of the alveolar ridge toward the gum papillae. Using a graft also minimizes scaring.

[Jack Wasserstein, DDSMember]

Here is a case that did not involve a gingival graft because the frenum was very narrow and well below the gingival papillae.

http://periodontist.org/laser-treatment-for-a-gummy-smile/

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