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

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. [J Adv Prosthodont 2011;3:236-9]