Frenotomy procedure of a cleft lip and palate case

Abstract

Background: Cleft lip and palate are malformations that occur in 1–2 in every 1000 people and require multidisciplinary treatment. In this case, we aimed to present the repositioning of a band-shaped buccal frenulum, which is thought to have prevented oral hygiene practices in a patient with cleft lip and palate. Case Report: A 19-year-old non-smoking, systemically healthy male with a cleft lip and palate history was referred to the Periodontology Department of the Gazi University Dentistry Faculty with periodontal problems and was diagnosed with gingivitis. A thick, band-shaped buccal frenulum that directly affected the left maxillary teeth and caused difficulties in plaque elimination was observed. A frenotomy procedure was performed by repositioning the frenulum after non-surgical periodontal treatment to improve the hygiene of the region. Through operation, the buccal frenulum was repositioned, and adequate vestibular depth was achieved. Before and after periodontal treatment, halitosis scores were measured. Conclusion: An improvement was observed in plaque elimination and intraoral Halimeter scores in the first- and second-month controls of the region after frenotomy and non-surgical periodontal treatment. The improvements show the importance of periodontal treatment for such cases.