Aesthetic improvements in free gingival graft due to its association with frenectomy

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The insufficient amount of attached gingiva and the abnormal insertion of the labial frenulum may be related. When this occurs, it is common to associate frenectomy techniques with free gingival graft (FGG). Objective: To evaluate the clinical and histological staining difference and blood flow when the FGG is or is not associated with frenectomy. Material and methods: Ten patients were selected in the Dentistry Clinics of the Positivo University and divided into two groups (n = 5) group GF (graft/frenectomy), with association of FGG and frenectomy in the V sextant, and group G (graft), in which only the FGG was performed in the V sextant. Clinical examination, initial standardized photographs and post-surgery following-up for seven, 14 and 21 days were executed. For histological analysis the excesses of the graft tissues of a patient from each group were removed. Results: Clinically, it was observed in both groups after seven and 14 post-operative days, superficial necrosis of the tissue and color similar to the surrounding soft tissue. At 21 days, there is the total reduction of the necrosed tissue, and it was not seen the color difference between groups. Histologically, the difference between groups is related to the epithelial tissue, which was thicker in group G. Conclusion: Clinical (color) and histological (vascularization) significant differences were not observed between groups GF and G.