Surgical Management of Frenula: Laser Therapy Compared with Z-Frenuloplasty Technique

Objective: To compare intra- and post-operative consequences associated with Z-frenuloplasty and laser therapy for both upper labial and lingual frenulectomies. Material and Methods: Clinical data of 120 consecutive patients with a mean age of 11 years and 2 months (age range from 9 years and 1 month to 14 years and 3 months) with hypertrophic labial and lingual frenula were assembled. Of the 70 labial frenula, 35 were removed through Z-frenuloplasty (Group 1) and 35 with laser (Group 2); of 50 lingual frenula, instead, 25 were extracted through Z-frenuloplasty (Group 1A) and 25 with laser (Group 2A). The cutting device was Laser Diode Handy 10 in continuous mode. Finally, the time of the surgery, pain and swelling were measured 24-48 hours after the removal. VAS scale was used. Results: The time of the surgery, VAS score after the removal and the swelling were lesser in Group 2 and 2A. Conclusion: Both Z-frenuloplasty and Laser therapy are valid instruments to remove frenula. Moreover, laser offers more advantages like less use of anesthesia, no bleeding in the operating phase, no need for suturing, a faster tissue healing and minor limitations in speech and nutrition.