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

• Al Jabbari YS

• KMID: 2054759
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4047/jap.2011.3.4.236

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.

Reference

1. Douglass CW, Shih A, Ostry L. Will there be a need for complete dentures in the United States in 2020? J Prosthet Dent. 2002. 87:5–8.

2. Zarb GA, Carlsson GE, Bolender CL. Boucher's prosthodontic treatment for edentulous patients. 1997. 11th ed. St. Louis: Mosby;46–47.

3. Carlsson GE, Omar R. The future of complete dentures in oral rehabilitation. A critical review. J Oral Rehabil. 2010. 37:143–156.

4. Christensen GJ. Treatment of the edentulous mandible. J Am Dent Assoc. 2001. 132:231–233.

5. van Waas MA. The influence of clinical variables on patients' satisfaction with complete dentures. J Prosthet Dent. 1990. 63:307–310.

6. Hillerup S. Preprosthetic surgery in the elderly. J Prosthet Dent. 1994. 72:551–558.

7. Axinn S, Brasher WJ. Frenectomy plus free graft. J Prosthet Dent. 1983. 50:16–19.

8. Costello BJ, Betts NJ, Barber HD, Fonseca RJ. Preprosthetic surgery for the edentulous patients. Dent Clin North Am. 1996. 40:19–38.

9. Driscoll CF, Masri RM. Single maxillary complete denture. Dent Clin North Am. 2004. 48:567–583.