title: Esthetic management of the upper labial frenum: a novel frenectomy technique.
abstract: An abnormal upper labial frenum is capable of retracting the gingival margin, creating a diastema, limiting lip movement, and in cases of a high smile line, affecting esthetics also. When an abnormal frenum is present, frenectomy is advised. This technique has been modified in many ways. But in most of the techniques the zone of attached gingiva and esthetics are not considered. This case report highlights a new technique of frenectomy that results in good esthetics, excellent color match, gain in attached gingiva, and healing by primary intention at the site of the thick, extensive abnormal frenum.
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontics, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal, Karnataka, India. drsukhchainbagga@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Sukhchain
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bagga
authors.forename: K Mahalinga
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Bhat
authors.forename: G Subraya
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Bhat
authors.forename: Betsy S
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Thomas
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004955:Esthetics, Dental; D006801:Humans; D007742:Labial Frenum / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male