Labial frenectomy
Appearance
Labial frenectomy | |
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![]() A labial frenectomy. The uppermost photo displays a maxillary labial frenum that was deemed disruptive to orthodontic treatment by the patient's orthodontist. The middle photo displays the labial fold after the frenum was incised (note the diamond-shaped wound). The third photo displays the wound after suturing of the incision which was completed. | |
ICD-9-CM | 528.5 |
A labial frenectomy is a form of frenectomy performed on the lip.
The labial frenulum often attaches to the center of the upper lip and between the upper two front teeth. This can cause a large gap and gum recession by pulling the gums off the bone. A labial frenectomy removes the labial frenulum. Orthodontic patients often have this procedure done to assist with closing a front tooth gap. When a denture patient's lips move, the frenulum pulls and loosens the denture, which can be uncomfortable. This surgery is often done to help dentures fit better.[1]
References
[edit]- ^ Protásio, Ana Cláudia Rocha; Galvão, Endi Lanza; Falci, Saulo Gabriel Moreira (December 2019). "Laser Techniques or Scalpel Incision for Labial Frenectomy: A Meta-analysis". Journal of Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery. 18 (4): 490–499. doi:10.1007/s12663-019-01196-y. ISSN 0972-8279. PMC 6795652. PMID 31624426.