An abnormal upper labial frenum (ULF) can represent a potentially harmful gingival insertion located between the central incisors. Lasers, particularly the Er:YAG laser, have been described for ULF frenectomy and offer several promising advantages. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of Er:YAG laser frenectomy using the "tunnelization technique" for the elimination of an abnormal upper labial frenum.This cohort study evaluated ULF frenectomy using the tunnelling technique with an Er:YAG laser in a cohort of 20 patients treated between January 2011 and December 2024. The ULFs were morphologically and clinically characterized before and after the procedure.No intraoperative complications were observed during the frenectomy, apart from moderate intraoperative bleeding in 12 patients (60%), with no sutures required in any case. Postoperatively, analgesic medication was required by only 2 patients (10%) for mild pain. At the 3-month follow-up, a significant reduction was observed in both frenulum size (P<0.001) and interincisal diastema (P=0.008). All incisive papillae were preserved without any defects.Er:YAG laser frenectomy using the tunneling technique proved to be a suitable option, resulting in the immediate preservation of the incisive papilla and a reduction in ULF size and position, without significant associated complications.
Universitat de València
