Frenectomy and free gingival graft in deep gingival recession of a mandibular incisor with a thin phenotype: A case report with 9-month follow-up
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24265/kiru.2026.v23n3.08Keywords:
Gingival recession; Oral frenectomy; Incisor; Gingiva; Case reportsAbstract
Gingival recession is a common condition that can compromise aesthetics, cause dentin hypersensitivity, and promote progressive dental biofilm accumulation. Frenectomy combined with a free gingival graft is a predictable technique to increase keratinized tissue and achieve partial or total root coverage. The objective of this report was to describe the clinical management for increasing keratinized gingiva width prior to orthodontic treatment to provide gingival tissue stability. A 26-year-old female patient presented with a diagnosis of plaque-induced gingivitis and a mandibular labial frenum with high mucogingival insertion associated with a Cairo RT1 gingival recession on tooth 3.1. The treatment plan included motivation, oral hygiene instruction, and supragingival instrumentation. Seven days later, a frenectomy was performed, followed by a free gingival graft to increase keratinized gingiva and stabilize the gingival margin on tooth 3.1. Partial graft shrinkage was observed at one month. At 9 months, 80% root coverage and an increase in keratinized gingiva width were evident, with proper tissue integration and no postoperative complications. The combination of frenectomy and free gingival graft is an effective therapeutic alternative for managing RT1 gingival recessions in the mandibular anterior segment, contributing to increased keratinized gingiva and gingival margin stability prior to orthodontic treatment.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Gabriela Quijano Miranda , Fabiola Gutierrez Romero , Dahiana Alfaro Carballido , Jorge Girano Castaños , María Pareja Vásquez, José Robello Mallato
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