title: Early creeping attachment after frenectomy: a case report.
abstract: An abnormal labial frenutomy is capable of causing retraction of gingival margins, formation of diastema and inhibition of lip and tongue movements. When aberrant frenula are present traditional frenectomy procedures are very successful. Often mucogingival procedures are needed to correct the defects that result from harmful frenum pulls. In this case presentation, an aberrant frenum was diagnosed to be associated with an area of recession on a mandibular left central incisor. Surgery was planned as a staged approach. The first phase of care was a simple frenectomy. A follow-on procedure consisting of a connective tissue graft for root coverage was planned. After only four weeks of healing from the frenectomy, creeping attachment of 1.0 mm was appreciated and the patient was able to avoid the secondary corrective surgery.
authors.affiliation: United States Army Dental Activity, Fort Lewis, Washington, USA.
authors.forename: E B
authors.initials: EB
authors.lastname: Fowler
authors.forename: L G
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: Breault
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003238:Connective Tissue / Q000637:transplantation; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005889:Gingival Recession / Q000209:etiology*; D005893:Gingivoplasty; D006801:Humans; D007180:Incisor; D007742:Labial Frenum / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D014945:Wound Healing