J Adv Prosthodont.  2011 Dec;3(4):236-239. 10.4047/jap.2011.3.4.236.

Frenectomy for improvement of a problematic conventional maxillary complete denture in an elderly patient: a case report

Affiliations
  • 1Dental Biomaterials Research and Development Chair, College of Dentistry, King Saud University College of Dentistry, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. yaljabbari@ksu.edu.sa
  • 2Department of Prosthetic Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, King Saud University College of Dentistry, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

Maxillary labial and buccal frena are considered as normal anatomic structures in the oral cavity. However, they may exist intraorally as a thick broad fibrous attachment and/or become located near the crest of the residual ridge, thus interfering with proper denture border extension resulting in inferior denture stability, retention and overall patient satisfaction. This case report highlights the importance of clinical examination and treatment planning which may mandate preprosthetic surgery prior to fabrication of a new conventional complete denture. Adequate patient satisfaction with conventional complete dentures can be significantly increased after frenectomy.

Keyword

Frenectomy; Preprosthetic surgery; Complete denture; Treatment planning; Patient satisfaction

MeSH Terms

Aged
Denture Retention
Denture, Complete
Dentures
Humans
Mouth
Patient Satisfaction
Retention (Psychology)

Figure

  • Fig. 1 Pre-treatment views. A: Extra-oral view with the existing prosthesis, B: Intra-oral left lateral view of the complete denture, C: Occlusal view of the maxilla showing low and thick buccal frena (arrows).

  • Fig. 2 Existing patient's maxillary denture after chair-side hard relining. A: Right lateral view, B: Frontal view, C: Left lateral view. Note the significant relief areas (labial and buccal notches) that were required to accommodate the low and thick frena.

  • Fig. 3 Newly fabricated maxillary denture after frenectomy. A: Right lateral view, B: Frontal view, C: Left lateral view. Note the improved borders extension of the denture compared to what is shown in Fig. 2.

  • Fig. 4 Post-treatment views. A: Extra-oral view with the newly fabricated prosthesis, B: Intra-oral left lateral view of the complete denture.


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